Aug 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, a Cleveland OH-based business unit of Alcoa Inc., announces the kick-off of its 60th anniversary, a year-long celebration of wheel innovation. The company says it is the world's leading supplier of forged aluminum wheels.

Since inventing the forged aluminum wheel in 1948, Alcoa has led the way in innovation, growth, technology, and sustainability. With the introduction of Dura-Bright XBR, Dura-Flange, and the 14-inch wide-base wheel, Alcoa offers even more choices.

Dura-Bright surface treatment won accolades in 2007 from Automotive News as a PACE award recipient. Dura-Flange treatment reduces and protects against excessive rim flange wear and delaying wheel replacement. The 14-in wide-base wheels replace dual-wheel assemblies in combination with wide-base tires that reduce rolling resistance and help deliver 3 to 7 percent in fuel savings.