Alcoa Transportation Products Wins 2009 Automotive News PACE Award

Alcoa Transportation Products was awarded a 2009 Automotive News PACE Award. The prestigious award recognizes automotive suppliers for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance.

Alcoa Transportation Products was recognized for its Alcoa Vacuum Die Casting (AVDC) for Lightweight Door Assemblies developed as an integrated casting alloy, process and equipment “systems solution” which provides vehicle manufacturers within the passenger auto and commercial transportation market segments the opportunity to maximize weight savings (30-35%), consolidate parts (60-70% BOM/parts reduction) and reduce system costs of lightweight door systems.

The patented AVDC process integrates dimensionally stable high strength and high ductility casting alloys and large die part size capability to expand the lightweight options for door inner panels beyond multiple piece stamped aluminum or steel sheet stampings. The innovation has been utilized by leading auto manufacturers, including most recently with Nissan on its high performance GT-R sports sedan.

During his acceptance speech, Kevin Kramer, President – Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products stated, “We are honored to be recognized as a winner for this prestigious award. AVDC is our second win in the last three years and this is a big deal. The Automotive News PACE Award reinforces Alcoa’s commitment that innovation is our past and our future.”

The 15th annual PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence) Award was presented by Automotive News, Ernst & Young LLP and the Transportation Research Center Inc. The competition was open to suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. The award is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation. Alcoa Transportation Products was awarded in the Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment category following an extensive review by an independent panel of judges including a comprehensive written application and a site visit.

Alcoa most recently was awarded an Automotive News PACE award for Dura-Bright® technology for forged aluminum wheels in 2007. This latest win is Alcoa’s second award in as many attempts. For complete details of the Automotive News PACE Award, visit www.automotivenews.com/pace.