A key part of any automobile, the wheel, is comprised of the rim and the tyre. Wheel rims are stamped, forged and moulded. In Russian automobile construction, stamped wheels made out of steel are predominantly used, however, alloy wheels are growing in popularity. The main material for alloy wheel rim production is aluminium, though more expensive magnesium alloys are sometimes used.

Initially, aluminium wheel rims were used in automobile construction to expand design possibilities to give expensive and prestigious models an elegant look. Today, however, aluminium wheel rims are found in every price category and are accessible to all car lovers.

Advantages of aluminium wheels over steel:

• geometric accuracy

• lower weight and smooth running of vehicle

• improved heat sink from brake system

• variety of wheel designs

The Russian market for alloy wheel rims at present is represented by modern national companies that use the latest technology and equipment with a full production cycle. Some of these companies include members of the Aluminium Association, Asov-Tech, KiK and LMZ SKAD.

Russian companies are certified in accordance with international standards ISO/TS 16949 and ISO 14001. These standards confirm the high level of the companies’ quality management system, the possibility of launching quality products with minimum effects of production activities on the environment, as well as giving the right to work with leading world automakers.

In practice, this is confirmed by the projects launched to localise production of rims in Russia for Renault, Nissan, Ford Sollers, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Citroen, and other international car manufacturers.

Over the last two years, the share of Russian production of alloy rims in the domestic market rose from 18% to 42%.

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