"Alcoa is pleased to supply forged aluminum wheels for the Volt. Working closely with the GM team resulted in a wheel designed, engineered and manufactured for light weight performance that will further extend the range of this alternative propulsion vehicle," said Mike Parnell, Vice President and General Manager – Alcoa Auto Wheels.
General Motors explains that such an agreement was a must have for Chevrolet Volt, as the parent company is aiming to reduce the overall weight by replacing certain materials with lightweight variants.
"Alcoa provides the benefits of lightweight forged aluminum wheel programs for many global manufacturers and is honored to be working closely with GM on the Volt.
On the other hand, Chevrolet Volt represents the best way General Motors can align its production to the market demand, as more and more buyers are now looking for small-displacement engines providing reduced fuel consumption and lowered emissions.
"The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future ... just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges," Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO, explained the role of the hybrid in General Motors' market strategy.
Due to be launched in 2010, Chevrolet Volt provides an autonomy of up to 40 miles (that's around 64 kilometers) in full electric mode, with small 4-cylinder internal combustion engine capable of restoring the batteries and extending the whole range to 640 miles (1,030 km).
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