CalcuLighter™ Lets Owners Compare Wheel
Options and Translates Product Differences into Real-World ROI Data
CLEVELAND–Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that its Alcoa Wheel and Transportation
Products business today introduced CalcuLighter™, http://www.alcoa.com/calculighter,
an easy-to-use on-line tool, for truck fleet and owner-operators.
CalcuLighter™ provides exact financial data comparing steel
and aluminum wheel alternatives. Site visitors can quickly compare steel
duals versus aluminum duals or wide base wheels, or aluminum duals
compared to wide base, simply by entering a few specifics regarding
their own operational needs.
“Especially during tight economic times, fleets and owner-operators need
actionable, dollars-and-cents answers now, and seat-of-the-pants
guesstimates won’t do,” said Tim Myers, President of Alcoa Wheel and
Transportation Products. “Using the on-line CalcuLighter, they can see
real-world data in real time, based on their own truck and trailer
profile. This tool effectively translates basic product differences into
a relevant, return on investment summary.”
Using Alcoa’s LvL ONE™ wheel as an example, Myers explained
that an over-the-road rig running on this aluminum option is carrying
nearly 630 pounds less weight than with standard steel wheels, and more
than 1,200 pounds less if they go with 14-inch wide base aluminum
wheels. Independent testing also shows LvL ONE provides up to three
percent less rolling resistance than steel wheels.
“What do facts like this really mean in terms of fuel savings? More
payload? Extended tire life?” Myers said. “CalcuLighter spells out these
figures instantly as specific fleet input is entered. Owners can compare
a variety of different options in only a few minutes.”
CalcuLighter™ users simply need to indicate their Fleet Profile (i.e.
Long Haul Truck), choose the wheel alternative they wish to compare
(steel duals vs. aluminum duals or wide base, or aluminum duals vs. wide
base), and input a few specifics about their needs. For example, the
number of power units, trailers and dollies, and number of wheels for
each.
Calculations are made and the results appear on-screen as input is
entered. Fuel savings, for instance, will instantly change if the user
alters the price from $2.65 per gallon to $3.50 or any other number. In
addition to fuel, payload and tire life data, CalcuLighter™ also reveals
Truck Blue Book trade-in value, scrap value, relative wheel maintenance
info and even the “carbon footprint” differences between wheel
alternatives. The owner can also ascertain the cost of an Alcoa wheel
upgrade, including finance charges.
“CalcuLighter™ is designed to give fleets and owner-operators the kind
of detailed information they need for their businesses,” Myers said.
“All they need to do is log on to www.alcoawheels.com.”
About Alcoa Wheels and Transportation Products
Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, headquartered in Cleveland,
Ohio, serves the commercial vehicle, automotive, and defense markets
with products used in a range of applications including cast and forged
aluminum wheels, aluminum space-frames, specialized vacuum die cast
products, niche products such as Dura-Bright® and Dura-Flange® wheels
and M-Series™ medium truck wheels, as well as a variety of other
aluminum components for these markets. AWTP is composed of three
divisions: Transportation Products, Commercial Vehicle Wheels, and
Automotive Wheels. It employs 2,800 people at 30 locations worldwide.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary
aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined through its active
and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa
serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction,
commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design,
engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa’s businesses to
customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including
flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions and forgings, Alcoa also
markets its Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment
castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the
top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic
Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and has been a member of the Dow Jones
Sustainability Index for seven consecutive years. More information can
be found at: www.alcoa.com.
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