One of Europe’s leading independent distributors of commercial vehicle wheels will launch MWheels GmbH at IAA 2016, as it looks to create strong retail ties to connect with the German aftermarket.
Situated at Stand A35 in Hall 24, the company will display a selection of Xlite and Xbrite+ forged aluminium wheels, for which it owns exclusive European distribution rights, as well as promote its Chevron brand of quality steel wheels. All products are TÜV marked for quality assurance.
The new limited liability company will officially commence trading on January 1st, 2017 and is currently securing headquarters in the Cologne region. Initially three-to-four jobs will be created, and the company is finalising warehouse and distribution logistics with a third-party provider.
MWheels GmbH will be a new division of UK-based Motor Wheel Service Distribution (MWSD), which has over 80 years experience in the wheel industry and over 35 in the commercial vehicle wheel segment across Europe.
This unique market position and unparalleled technical knowledge has seen the company lead a renowned wheel safety campaign which has resulted in commercial vehicle wheels being classed as safety critical items in the imminent EU Roadworthiness Act*, which comes into force throughout Europe in May 2017.
MWSD operations director, Matthew Mardle said: “The company has proven itself to be a true partner of the industry, moving the mindset of wheels from a commodity driven purchase to a leading safety-critical item which ultimately has a huge effect on the profitability and legal obligations of every CV operator.
“The EU Roadworthiness Act comes into force in May 2017 and it’s our role to educate the market. To achieve this we need to establish contact with networks and larger retail chains, as well as independent specialist truck tyre and wheel dealers, to develop close strategic and sustainable business relationships.”
“We want to work with companies and provide them with extensive technical training and services to support sales,” added MWSD technical director, Kevin Ryan. “This will be partnership in its truest sense.
“By truly understanding a customer’s operational requirements and the technical benefits of our Xlite and Xbrite+ forged aluminium wheels, or our Chevron steel wheels, a total solution can be reached to improve the financial performance and legal obligation of every business in the procurement chain.”
Xlite and Xbrite+, which are five times stronger and 40 percent lighter than the standard steel equivalent, are spin forged from a single aluminium billet, a unique manufacturing process using a CNC machine to produce a higher degree of production accuracy and a truer running wheel.
Xlite is available in machined and polished finishes, while Xbrite+ goes through several automated treatment stages which permeate the metal deeper to deliver a wheel with the highest levels of corrosion resistance and shine. Wheels are available in 17.5, 19.5 and 22.5 inch sizes.
The ultimate advantages of operating with forged aluminium wheels including extra payloads, reduced diesel usage, decreased CO² emissions and less wear on surrounding parts, including expensive components such as tyres and brakes.
