Alcoa's Vacuum Die Casting Process Wins Global Innovation Award from Nissan Motor

"We are honored that Alcoa's vacuum die casting process has been recognized by Nissan for technical innovation. The blending of this manufacturing process with advanced alloys enabled us to meet Nissan's performance requirements, particularly strength and deformation characteristics, while still keeping a high-performance body made of lightweight materials," said Kevin Kramer, President, Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products.

The GT-R features aluminum inner-door and rear-seat structures made from Alcoa's AVDC process. The inner door, which is the largest vacuum die casting in the auto industry, and the rear seat structures offer weight savings up to 35% over steel designs. The components were produced at Alcoa's Soest, Germany, plant.

Alcoa's AVDC process provides structural engineers with the ability to "build in" critical reinforcing ribs where enhanced strength is required and to "design in" very specific details to help consolidate parts and streamline assembly.

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa(R) wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems. The Company has 97,000 employees in 34 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

SOURCE: Alcoa Inc.

Alcoa Inc. Editorial Kevin G. Lowery, 412-553-1424 or Investor Relations Greg Aschman, 212-836-2674