Wheel maker wants a deal with Holden

Adelaide-based wheel manufacturer ROH wants to restart negotiations with Holden to source its high-performance wheels locally once it installs new technology used to secure a lucrative Toyota contract.

Last week Carsguide revealed that Holden is airfreighting certain wheels from North America to meet a spike in demand for its most expensive model, the $50,000 Commodore SSV Redline.

Holden said ROH could not supply the wheel type it needed but the company says it is about to install new technology that it believes will meet Holden's requirements. "We would be delighted to talk to Holden," said ROH general manager Bill Davidson. "A lot has changed since we last supplied Holden with wheels in 2005."

Holden now sources most of its wheels from China, even though ROH is just 25km away from Holden's factory gate. But ROH is hopeful it can meet Holden's needs, at least on selected models, once its new "flow forming" technology is installed by next August.

"We have had the wheel rims stress tested by the CSIRO and they are a similar strength and weight as a forged wheel rim," said Mr Davidson.

Mr Davidson stopped short of demanding that the Federal Government introduce a mandate for car makers to source as many parts as possible from local suppliers, but said: "Supply of Australian-made wheels to Holden would support a whole bunch of suppliers to the wheel industry in Australia. If car companies are getting tax-payer assistance it would be good to see more local content in cars."

When asked if Holden would be open to new discussions with ROH, Holden spokesman Sean Poppitt said: "Holden doesn't comment on future product plans".

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling