ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components and Maxion Wheels have established a cooperation agreement 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, a leading global automotive components supplier and innovator in carbon fibre applications and lightweight materials, with Maxion Wheels, the world’s largest and most innovative wheel manufacturer, will offer customers exceptional performance benefits at an attractive price point.
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 high value styling. The ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components – Maxion Wheels team 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, 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 – Maxion Wheels team is working with the Volkswagen Group to test prototypes on a vehicle. Public road tests have shown improved performance, e.g superior damping which leads to less vibration and road noise.
Maxion Wheels and ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components will continue to enhance the value proposition of the lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre hybrid wheels. As an important contribution Maxion will bring their innovative liquid-forged aluminium discs to the cooperation, which offers comparable material properties as traditionally forged wheels at lower cost and at the full design flexibility of casted wheels.
The ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components – Maxion Wheels cooperation will include the development and commercialization 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
