Alcoa Wheel Products Selected by DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM and Nissan for 2006 North American International Auto Show

CLEVELAND--Jan. 20, 2006--As the automotive world converges in Detroit for the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Alcoa enjoys fitment selection on many new 2006 models.

Alcoa Wheel Products, a Cleveland-based business unit of Alcoa, has many fitments on new production model vehicles including the Nissan Altima SE-R, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Dodge Ram 2500, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Viper and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Alcoa wheels, made in Cleveland, Ohio, and Lebanon, Virginia, are also being shown on Ford F250 trucks, including Ford's Harley-Davidson Edition and on the GMC Envoy Denali, Hummer H2 and Pontiac Grand Prix GXP.

Alcoa forged aluminum wheels were chosen because of their styling, design and strength. While style and design are crucial in any new auto show introduction, Alcoa Wheel Products supplies premium wheels with quality engineering that is more than skin deep. Alcoa wheels shown at NAIAS are forged from one piece of aluminum, which increases the strength of the wheel. Alcoa one-piece forged aluminum wheels eliminate the welds that create weak points in the wheel structure. In fact, Alcoa forged aluminum wheels have been proven more than 400% stronger than steel wheels in crush tests. In addition, Alcoa forged aluminum wheels are precision machined which allows for a smoother and truer ride.

"Vehicle manufacturers enjoy Alcoa's quick to market manufacturing flexibility because it allows for easier vehicle customization, which today's consumers want," stated Doug Dietrich, Vice President and General Manager, Alcoa Wheel Products. "NAIAS is the most significant auto show in the world and we are proud that our customers selected our wheels for their product, and the show."

About Alcoa Wheel Products

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Alcoa Wheel Products is the leading global manufacturer of forged aluminum and stylized wheels for automotive, commercial vehicle, motorcycle and specialty markets. The company employs more than 3000 associates worldwide. Alcoa Wheel Products invented the aluminum wheel in 1948 for Mack Truck, and is on more trucks globally today than any other wheel brand in the world. Alcoa Wheel Products is a business unit of Alcoa Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with 130,000 employees in 300 locations globally.

About NAIAS

Entering its 18th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, and is one of the largest media events in North America. The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at http://www.naias.com/ . Don't Miss It for the World!

For further information, please visit www. alcoawheels.com