Maxion Wheels, a division of Iochpe-Maxion S.A., has entered a new chapter. At IAA Transportation 2026, the company, which describes itself as the world’s leading steel and aluminium wheel supplier, showcased its first forged aluminium truck wheels for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, alongside a new surface treatment that it says keeps wheels looking new for longer. “It’s the first time that we are venturing into forged aluminium truck wheels,” said Ms. Adrienne Hattingen, Global Marketing & Communications Manager, Maxion Wheels.
Four years ago, at IAA, the company announced plans to build a new plant in Manisa, Türkiye, as a joint venture with Inci Holding. That plant is now up and running. Built from the ground up and equipped mostly with European machinery, it is home to one of the largest forging lines, with a press of up to 10,000 tonnes. That, Ms. Hattingen pointed out, is roughly the weight of the Eiffel Tower.
Production has started, and Maxion is already supplying the aftermarket. Talks with truck makers are going well, and the company is close to completing the approval process needed to supply them directly, she said.
Why Aluminium, and Why Now
Maxion already makes what it says are the lightest steel wheels on the market. Even so, steel wheels are still much heavier than forged aluminium ones. That kept the company out of weight-sensitive segments such as liquid tankers and buses, where aluminium is the preferred choice.
The new range changes that. It covers key commercial vehicle sizes, including 22.5×8.25, 22.5×9.00 and 22.5×11.75, and combines light weight with the strength and durability needed for real-world truck and bus operations. With both steel and forged aluminium wheels now on offer, Ms. Hattingen said, Maxion is one of only a few companies with a complete portfolio.
A Finish Built to Last
The wheels come in three finishes. The brushed finish is the base option, with a matte look and visible brush lines. The polished finish has a shiny, mirror-like surface. The third is the C-Guard, the company’s new ceramic surface treatment, which made its debut at the show.
C-Guard is applied after polishings; rather than sitting on top like a coating, it forms a molecular bond with the aluminium, making it highly durable. What sets it apart is its multi-element ceramic formula. Silicon, zirconium, aluminium, zinc and titanium were each chosen for a specific purpose, and together they improve strength, chemical resistance, UV stability and long-term durability compared with single-element treatments.
For fleets, the benefits are practical. C-Guard repels both water and oil, so grease and road dirt can be washed off with just mild soap and water, with no harsh chemicals. The wheels keep their gloss and colour for longer, holding a mirror-like finish whether they are used for long-haul trips or last-mile deliveries, while keeping maintenance and running costs down. Maxion has also designed C-Guard as a platform it can build on with further surface enhancements in the future.
A Smarter Rim Edge
Maxion has also redesigned the rim flange and bead seat, the outer edge of the wheel. Competing wheels typically have a narrow, flat edge. Maxion’s is steeper, which brings two practical benefits. Fleets can use the same standard clip-on balancing weights they already use on steel wheels, so they no longer need to stock different types. And adhesive balancing weights are less likely to fall off as the wheel turns. These small details, Ms. Hattingen said, are meant to make life easier for fleets and drivers, adding extra value to Maxion’s wheel range.