10.31.2006 - 09:58am ET

(CSRwire) PITTSBURGH--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that it has been working with Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage and General Motors Advanced Design to provide structural engineering expertise, spaceframe technology and high-performance forged aluminum wheels for Mr. Leno's EcoJet, introduced this week at SEMA in Las Vegas.

"Mr. Leno approached Alcoa as a result of the collaboration between GM and Alcoa on the Cadillac Sixteen," according to Misha Riveros-Jacobson, President of Alcoa Auto and Truck Structures. "We eagerly accepted the opportunity to work with Big Dog Garage and GM Advanced Design on the EcoJet because their goal of developing an absolutely stunning vehicle powered by biofuel, but yet extremely high-performance, played right to Alcoa's area of automotive expertise."

Engineers from the Alcoa Technical Center worked with GM's Advanced Design staff and Big Dog Garage to provide structural engineering, and joining and assembly resources for the EcoJet from design through construction.

In addition, Alcoa's Forged Specialty Wheels supplied the aluminum for the EcoJet's highly-stylized wheels. "The EcoJet's wheels are perfect complements to the EcoJet's turbine power plant. With the spokes resembling turbine blades, the wheels add yet another fascinating design queue for the vehicle," according to Kevin Kramer, president of Alcoa Wheel Products.

Alcoa has more than two decades of experience in spaceframe design, engineering and manufacturing and is a global leader in manufacturing forged aluminum wheels for automobiles, light and heavy trucks.

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® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 44 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