DETROIT, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings,
Inc. (AAM) which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, today introduced the Integrated
Oil Pan (IOP) front axle module with electronic disconnect which will be used
in the all-new 2002 General Motors mid-sized Trailblazer, Envoy and Bravada
sport utility vehicles. The IOP front axle module will be on display at the
2001 SAE World Congress held in Detroit, March 5-8, 2001.
"The selection by General Motors of AAM's IOP front-axle module for its
new SUV program demonstrates GM's continued confidence in our people,
technology, products, processes, systems, and performance," says AAM President
& Chief Operating Officer Joel D. Robinson.
The IOP front axle module was designed and developed by AAM engineers to
meet customer needs for improved performance, durability, weight reduction,
packaging, operating temperature control, and vehicle system electrical
interface compatibility and control.
Torque from the vehicle driveline system is transmitted to the IOP front
axle, halfshafts, and ultimately, the front wheels, when the vehicle is
engaged in four wheel drive. When the vehicle is in two wheel drive, the
electronic disconnect uncouples the front axle from the driveline system to
allow for reduced rolling friction. The IOP uses a precision electrical
actuator to engage the shift mechanism and provide feedback to the vehicle's
driveline control system -- indicating the vehicle is in four wheel drive.
The IOP provides a central point of engagement that, along with the
transfer case disconnect, reduces the number of rotating parts. The
electronic actuator provides consistent "on-demand" engagements over the life
of the vehicle. Both features reduce vehicle system parasitic losses
(inefficiencies) found in traditional four-wheel-drive systems.
"The IOP front axle module includes innovative and evolutionary design
improvements over current axle designs which yield significant improvements in
vehicle performance, ease of manufacturing, and driveline durability," says
Daniel V. Sagady P.E., vice president, Engineering & Product Development.
The IOP front axle assembly features a cast aluminum housing and die-cast
aluminum shift fork, lifetime lubrication, enhanced durability seals and 15
new components. It is produced using a state-of-the-art automated
manufacturing process at AAM's Detroit Gear & Axle plant in Detroit, Michigan.
AAM is a world leader in the design, validation, manufacture and delivery
of driveline systems, chassis systems and forged products for trucks, buses,
sport utility vehicles and passenger cars. In addition to its 14 locations in
the United States (in Michigan, New York and Ohio), AAM also has offices and
facilities in Brazil, England, Germany, Japan, Mexico and Scotland.
Certain statements contained in this press release which are not
historical facts contain forward-looking information with respect to the
Company's plans, projections or future performance, the occurrence of which
involves risk and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual results
or plans to differ materially from those expected by the company which include
risk factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
For more information...
Investor relations contact Media relations contact
Robert A. Krause Carrie L.P. Gray
Vice President & Treasurer Director, Marketing & Corporate Relations
313-974-3074 313-974-2598
krauser@aam.com grayc@aam.com
SOURCE American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.aam.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/033813.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 033813
CONTACT:
Investor relations contact: Robert A.
Krause, Vice President & Treasurer, 313-974-3074, krauser@aam.com
, or Media relations contact: Carrie L.P. Gray, Director,
Marketing & Corporate Relations, 313-974-2598, grayc@aam.com ,
both of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
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