Superior Wins Two Aluminum Wheel Contracts.

In October, Superior Industries, International, Inc., Van Nuys, California, announced that it had been awarded two aluminum wheel contracts.

It first was awarded new and replacement aluminum wheel programs from major OEM customers, representing an estimated total of more than $60 million in annual revenue. The contracts include aluminum wheels for the 2001 Pontiac Aztec and a new Buick model for General Motors, as well as the 2001 Dodge Intrepid for DaimlerChrysler. In addition, Superior was awarded replacement programs for a number of popular vehicle nameplates.

Superior also was awarded a new aluminum wheel supply contract by DaimlerChrysler for the 2002 Dodge Ram pickup truck. Including this contract, the foundry increased its recent new orders total to $120 million.

"Last year we committed to significantly expanding our manufacturing capacity in anticipation of Superior's continued growth in the aluminum wheel market," said a Superior spokesman. "As part of this expansion program, we have now completed construction of a new building near our existing facility in Chihuahua, Mexico. We expect to complete installation of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment at this facility, and have the new plant up and running on schedule during the first quarter 2001. All of our other expansion programs are also on plan and on budget."

Superior, a permanent mold casting company, supplies aluminum wheels and other aluminum automotive components to Ford, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rover, Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Isuzu.