Accuride has introduced a new aluminum wheel it claims to be the lightest in the market.
The new 14-inch Accu-Lite Duplex aluminum wheel weighs just 56 lbs, about four pounds less than its predecessors. Rick Dauch, president and CEO of Accuride, said the company will transition to the new wheels in the second quarter of this year.
"These new Accu-Lite Duplex aluminum wheels give fleets even more ways to save money by lowering total tractor-trailer weight, boosting fuel economy and payload, trimming maintenance costs and a host of related benefits," Dauch announced.
The company also touted its new Steel Armor, three-step coating process for steel wheels, which extends their service life by two years before a refinishing is required. The extended service life saves fleets about $630 per truck, Dauch noted. The patented process is offered exclusively on Accuride wheels for a period of seven years.
Dauch also updated journalists on Accuride's lengthy turnaround plan, which is well underway with a focus set to return on growing the company. He said Accuride has significantly increased its wheel-building capacity and, unlike in 2005-2006, is prepared and able to meet high demand.
The company also has its sights on becoming a global supplier.
"We have more than doubled our aluminum wheel capacity in North America," Dauch said. "I feel finally, after three years, that we've positioned Accuride for success. The heavy lifting to fix the business is done and we're ready for an upturn in the industry."
