DETROIT, March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Axle & Manufacturing
Holdings, Inc. (AAM), which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, is showcasing its
innovative driveline systems and modules, crossover vehicle applications and
noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) technologies at the 2003 Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit, March 3-7, 2003.
Highlights of AAM's SAE exhibit include:
* AAM's Power Transfer Unit (PTU) -- a key component in the company's
crossover vehicle driveline strategy. Its family of PTUs has been engineered,
designed, developed and prototyped by AAM to be an integral element of its
I-Ride(TM) Chassis Module program for crossover vehicles, or a stand-alone
component integrated into an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Currently, several vehicles are being retrofitted with PTUs to demonstrate the
packaging versatility of the designs that can be utilized in a variety of
vehicle architectures. The PTU incorporates AAM's technological advances in
PowerLite(TM) die cast aluminum housings and PowerDense(TM) hypoid and helical
gears.
* AAM's I-Ride(TM) Chassis Module featuring PowerLite(TM) independent
drive axles, front or rear steering, aluminum control arms, and aluminum
subframe. These modules provide weight reduction, improved ride, handling,
NVH performance, increased suspension travel and incorporate advanced aluminum
concepts. AAM's I-Ride Chassis Modules were featured in the General Motors
Corporation Chevrolet Cheyenne and Cadillac Sixteen concept vehicles at the
2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
* The Integrated Oil Pan (IOP) front axle module with electronic
disconnect currently featured on the award-winning 2002 GMC Envoy as well as
the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. In addition to lower vehicle height and improved
road handling, the IOP provides improved performance, durability, packaging,
operating temperature control and weight reduction.
Additionally, AAM is showcasing its SmartBar(TM) electronically-controlled
vehicle stabilizer system, TracRite(R) electronic traction-enhancing
differentials, and several advanced axle system designs and technologies which
demonstrate AAM's expertise in delivering industry-leading driveline systems
to its customers.
"AAM is dedicated to maintaining its leadership in driveline systems
technologies," says Daniel V. Sagady, P.E., vice president, Engineering &
Product Development. "We recognize that the OEMs are increasing the
outsourcing of design, development and systems integration and validation for
major vehicle systems including the driveline. In addition, we have tracked
OEM and consumer trends and note a clear movement toward all-wheel-drive and
crossover vehicles. As a result, we began development of our new PTUs, I-Ride
Chassis Modules, and electronic TracRite differentials several years ago.
Today we are able to provide advanced driveline systems and modules that
differentiate our customers from the competition and provide them with a
competitive advantage in the marketplace. In 2002, nearly 80 percent of our
sales featured higher-value-added technology products introduced to the market
since mid-1998."
AAM is a world leader in the manufacture, engineering, design and
validation of driveline systems and related components and modules, chassis
systems and forged products for trucks, 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 ...
Media relations contact Investor relations contact
Carrie L.P. Gray David J. Demos
Director, Corporate Relations Vice President, Investor Relations
(313) 974-2598 (313) 974-3074
grayc@aam.com demosd@aam.com
Or visit the AAM website at http://www.aam.com
SOURCE American Axle & Manufacturing
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Related links:
http://www.aam.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/gh/cnoc/comp/033813.html
CONTACT:
Media relations contact: Carrie L.P. Gray,
Director, Corporate Relations, +1-313-974-2598, grayc@aam.com ,
or Investor relations contact: David J. Demos, Vice President,
Investor Relations, +1-313-974-3074, demosd@aam.com , both of
American Axle & Manufacturing
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