DETROIT, June 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- American Axle
& Manufacturing (NYSE: AXL) will supply Power Transfer Units
(PTU) for Ford Motor Co. crossover vehicles with all-wheel drive
(AWD) starting with the 2019 Ford Edge and Lincoln Nautilus. The
new contract expands AAM and Ford's relationship while supporting
global growth in the popular crossover segment.
"Sales of crossover vehicles continue to significantly grow in
markets around the globe," said David C.
Dauch, AAM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Crossover
buyers want a vehicle that is fuel efficient and safe. AAM's PTU
helps deliver power while increasing efficiency."
The PTU is the heart of the vehicles' Intelligent AWD, which
uses sensors to constantly monitor traction and assist the driver
through difficult weather and challenging road conditions. It
balances torque between the front and rear wheels to enhance
handling and maximizes traction before wheelslip can even
occur.
Located on a vehicle's transmission, the PTU directs power to
the RDM via the driveshaft when torque is needed. When only front
wheel drive is required, AAM's PTU disconnects and stops spinning
the driveshaft no longer sending power to the RDM. Less spinning
helps increase efficiency and reduces emissions while still
providing enhanced safety when needed.
The PTU is part of AAM's family of EcoTrac® Disconnecting AWD
solutions, which include disconnecting PTUs, multi-piece
driveshafts, rear drive modules with electronic control units and
torque transfer devices.
AAM introduced the industry's first disconnecting AWD system in
late 2013. Since then AAM has supplied more than 600,000
disconnecting AWD units that help make vehicles safer, smart and
more efficient.
AAM will manufacture EcoTrac in several facilities around the globe
including Three Rivers, Mich.;
Guanajuato, Mexico; Changshu,
China and Świdnica, Poland.
By the end of 2020, EcoTrac will represent about $800 million of annual revenue for AAM in global
markets.
About AAM
AAM (NYSE: AXL) is a premier, global leader
in design, engineering, validation and manufacturing of driveline,
metal forming, powertrain, and casting technologies for automotive,
commercial and industrial markets. Headquartered in Detroit, AAM has over 25,000 associates
operating at more than 90 facilities in 17 countries to support our
customers on global and regional platforms with a focus on quality,
operational excellence and technology leadership. To learn
more, visit www.aam.com.
Media Contact:
Andrea
Knapp
(313) 758-2730
andrea.knapp@aam.com
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SOURCE American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.