ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components and Maxion Wheels have teamed up to develop and market innovative new ultra-lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre hybrid wheels for the high-end automotive market.
ThyssenKrupp is a global automotive components supplier and innovator in carbon fibre applications and lightweight materials, while Maxion Wheels is the world’s largest wheel manufacturer.
The combined technologies could generate a weight savings of up to 40% when compared to high performance forged aluminium wheels and at the same time offer much better styling. The two companies will work with OEMs to develop custom solutions to meet their specific needs.
Based on the developments of ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components in carbon fibre hybrid wheels, the partners have built and extensively tested prototypes for use on luxury cars and SUVs. In addition, the team is also working with the Volkswagen Group to test prototypes on a vehicle. Public road tests have shown improved performance and superior damping which leads to less vibration and road noise.
The two companies will continue to enhance the value of the lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre hybrid wheels. Maxion will bring their innovative liquid-forged aluminium discs to the partnership, which offers comparable material properties as traditionally forged wheels at lower cost and at the full design flexibility of casted wheels.
The ThyssenKrupp Maxion cooperation will include the development and commercialisation of the ultra-lightweight aluminium/carbon fibre 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.