Embodiments of this invention comprise a vehicle wheel made primarily of moldable plastic. The portion of the wheel which is physically connected to the rotor is made of metal. The wheel has a plurality of openings spaced to allow air circulation sufficient to provide dissipation of the heat build up which occurs during normal vehicle operation. This improved vehicle wheel securely holds the pneumatic tire and effectively supports the vehicle during operation. Other applications which would benefit by replacing metal wheels and gears with lighter, fully functional wheels and gears are also contemplated by this invention. Another embodiment comprises a method for manufacturing this vehicle wheel.