ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components, Germany, and Maxion Wheels, Novi, Mich., announce a cooperative agreement to develop and market ultra-lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber hybrid wheels for the premium vehicle OEM market. ThyssenKrupp brings its unique carbon fiber braiding technology, and Maxion brings its liquid-forged aluminum disks, which offer material properties comparable to forged wheels at lower cost.
Testing took place at certified Maxion Wheels test labs. In addition, the ThyssenKrupp – Maxion Wheels team is working with the Volkswagen Group to test prototypes on a vehicle. Public road tests have shown improved performance, which means superior damping, which leads to less vibration and road noise. Their combined technologies could generate a weight savings of up to 40% vs. forged aluminum wheels, and at the same time offer high value styling.
“With carbon fiber-aluminum hybrid wheels we offer a unique option to our customers in the luxury and sports car segment to differentiate themselves through technology and design. The cooperation agreement with Maxion Wheels marks an important milestone in the development of our carbon fiber wheel technology. It shows the technological maturity we have reached and combines our innovations with the leading player in the wheel industry. Commercialization is the logical next step,” says Dr. Jens Werner, Managing Director at ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components.
“The aluminum/carbon fiber hybrid wheels we develop through our cooperation with ThyssenKrupp will fill an important niche in the ultra-lightweight vehicle market,” says Kai Kronenberg, Vice President of Business Development & Global Innovation at Maxion Wheels. “It will benefit our customers by expanding our already extensive range of products and capabilities, while enhancing our leadership position in the industry.”
The ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components – Maxion Wheels cooperation will include the development and commercialization of the ultra-lightweight aluminum/carbon fiber hybrid wheels. A joint sales initiative and support team will engage the market to bring new capabilities and wheels that will benefit customers far into the future.
http://www.thyssenkrupp.com/q00GRR
