Home / News / ThyssenKrupp & Maxion Wheels to make carbon fibre wheels

ThyssenKrupp & Maxion Wheels to make carbon fibre wheels

24 Jun '15

2 min read

ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components, a leading global automotive components supplier and innovator in carbon fibre applications and lightweight materials, has joined hands with Maxion Wheels, the world’s largest and most innovative wheel manufacturer, to develop and market innovative new ultra-lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre hybrid wheels for the premium vehicle OEM market.

The combined expertise of ThyssenKrupp with Maxion Wheels will offer customers exceptional performance benefits at an attractive price point.

The combined technologies could generate a weight savings of up to 40 per cent when compared to high performance forged aluminium wheels and at the same time offer high value styling. The ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components and Maxion Wheels team will work with OEMs to develop custom solutions to meet their specific needs, according to a company press release.

Dr. Jens Werner, managing director at ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components said, “With carbon fibre-aluminium 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 fibre 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.”

Based on the developments of ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components in carbon fibre hybrid wheels, with its unique braiding technology, the partners have built and extensively tested prototypes for use on luxury cars and SUVs. Testing took place at certified Maxion Wheels test labs. In addition, the ThyssenKrupp and Maxion Wheels team is working with the Volkswagen Group to test prototypes on a vehicle. Public road tests have shown improved performance, for example, superior damping which leads to less vibration and road noise.

Kai Kronenberg, vice president of business development & global innovation at Maxion Wheels said, “The aluminium/carbon fibre hybrid wheels we develop through our cooperation with ThyssenKrupp will fill an important niche in the ultra-lightweight vehicle market. It will benefit our customers by expanding our already extensive range of products and capabilities, while enhancing our leadership position in the industry.” (GK)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India