Alcoa Fastening Systems Partners with University of Michigan to Produce a Next-Generation Solar Vehicle.PITTSBURGH -- Alcoa (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :AA) announced today that its Alcoa Fastening Systems (AFS A distributed file system for large, widely dispersed Unix and Windows networks from Transarc Corporation, now part of IBM. It is noted for its ease of administration and expandability and stems from Carnegie-Mellon's Andrew File System. AFS - Andrew File System ) business is sponsoring the production of a next-generation solar vehicle at the University of Michigan (body, education) University of Michigan - A large cosmopolitan university in the Midwest USA. Over 50000 students are enrolled at the University of Michigan's three campuses. The students come from 50 states and over 100 foreign countries. (UM) for the North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. Solar Challenge, a special edition competition to design, build and race solar-powered cars from the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. into Canada. Dozens of AFS associates around the world have provided their time and expertise to help the UM students manufacture a solar car A solar car is an electric vehicle powered by solar energy obtained from solar panels on the surface of the car. Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert the sun's energy directly into electrical energy. with an exciting, lightweight and aerodynamic design. AFS has contributed more than 130 varieties of thousands of fasteners representing the latest in fastening system technologies to Momentum, the solar car designed by UM students. The specially selected AFS products increase the strength and durability of the vehicle while reducing its weight and assembly time. "The Alcoa fasteners provide Momentum with a lightweight, yet safe solution to our production needs," said Michael J. Brackney, project manager. "The innovative design of the fasteners also has significantly cut down our maintenance time." The partnership enables AFS to invest in the study of renewable energy Renewable energy utilizes natural resources such as sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished. Renewable energy technologies range from solar power, wind power, and hydroelectricity to biomass and biofuels for transportation. technologies, environmental consciousness and educational excellence in tomorrow's workforce. "Alcoa Fastening Systems is proud to collaborate with the University of Michigan to promote a greater understanding of solar energy solar energy, any form of energy radiated by the sun, including light, radio waves, and X rays, although the term usually refers to the visible light of the sun. technology and its environmental benefits," said Olivier Jarrault, president. "This partnership enables Alcoa to help prepare the next generation of engineers and scientists as this competition demands creatively integrating expertise from various disciplines in order to compete." The UM Solar Car Team qualified for the North American Solar Challenge during the Formula Sun Grand Prix held at Heartland Park Raceway in Topeka, Kansas, USA. The UM team will now advance to the North American Solar Challenge scheduled for July 17-28 as more than 40 teams race from Austin, Texas to Calgary, Alberta using solar energy technology to power their vehicles. The UM team has won three national championships and has placed third twice in the World Solar Challenge The World Solar Challenge is a solar powered-car race over 3021 km (1,877 miles) through central Australia from Darwin to Adelaide. The race attracts teams from around the world, most of which are fielded by universities or corporations although some are fielded by high schools. . Placing in the North American Solar Challenge in July will enable Team Momentum to compete in the World Solar Challenge held in Australia in September. To read more about the North American Solar Challenge, visit http://www.americansolarchallenge.org. About Alcoa Fastening Systems Alcoa Fastening Systems, a business unit of Alcoa, is a leading worldwide designer and manufacturer of fastening systems, specialty fasteners, components, and installation systems for aerospace and commercial product assembly. Headquartered in Torrance, California, the company has 6,000 employees, and manufactures at 26 locations in 7 countries. About Alcoa Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active 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, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 131,000 employees in 43 countries and has been a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average Dow Jones Industrial Average The best known U.S. index of stocks. A price-weighted average of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks, primarily industrials including stocks that trade on the New York Stock Exchange. for 45 years and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2001. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com. |
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