Advanced Technology Showcase Vehicles are paving the way with
I-Ride(TM) chassis modules
DETROIT, March 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) recognizes that the landscape of the
successful Tier One supplier world has changed. The OEM automotive
manufacturers are streamlining their operations and outsourcing more
responsibilities to their key suppliers every day. Today's successful Tier
One suppliers cannot simply provide product -- they must be the engineers,
designers, developers, manufacturers and systems integrators of systems and
modules for the OEM.
To demonstrate its leadership in the driveline systems and modules arena,
AAM has integrated several of its advanced design, innovative I-Ride(TM)
chassis modules and systems into its fleet of Advanced Technology Showcase
Vehicles.
"Last year at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress, we
showcased a sport utility vehicle featuring our bolt-in front and rear
modules," says Daniel V. Sagady P.E., vice president, Engineering and Product
Development. "Today we have a fleet of several on-the-road test vehicles
equipped with our systems and I-Ride(TM) modules, including a front-wheel-
drive car that we have converted to an all-wheel drive vehicle using our
I-Ride(TM) Chassis Module, in anticipation of the growing crossover vehicle
and sport wagon market."
Crossover Vehicle I-Ride(TM) Chassis Module
AAM's crossover vehicle I-Ride(TM) chassis module consists of a cast
aluminum monocoque rear module structure, a PowerLite(TM) aluminum rear
independent axle and the new AAM PowerLite(TM) aluminum power transfer unit
(PTU). AAM engineered the module to be bolted into the vehicle with minor
vehicle modifications.
The new PTU was designed with full-time torque biasing and incorporates
AAM's technological advances in PowerLite(TM) die cast aluminum housings,
PowerDense(TM) hypoid and PowerDense(TM) helical gears.
"We chose a monocoque structure as a way of achieving the most advanced
packaging and weight-saving opportunities possible," says Ronald A.
Schoenbach, director, Chassis Engineering. "In testing, the vehicle has
demonstrated improvements in ride, handling and NVH (noise, vibration and
harshness)."
SUV I-Ride(TM) Chassis Modules
The AAM Advanced Technology Showcase Vehicle fleet includes full-size and
mid-size SUVs incorporating the AAM I-Ride(TM) Chassis Module. AAM has
engineered, designed, developed, prototyped and tested its I-Ride(TM)
independent suspension chassis modules, incorporating PowerLite(TM) rear drive
axles, SLA suspensions with improved suspension kinematics, and tubular steel
sub frames for lightweight, high strength characteristics.
"We expect to integrate rear-steer capabilities into these modules and
test them in the near future," says Schoenbach. "This feature will provide
improved parking maneuverability and trailer-towing stability. Coupled with
our innovative I-Ride(TM) Chassis Module the entire system will again
demonstrate AAM's industry-leading system and modules technology."
In addition to the development of I-Ride(TM) rear-steer chassis modules,
AAM has designed, developed, and prototyped front and rear-steer beam axles to
enhance the steering capabilities of existing OEM suspensions.
"We have engineered and designed all of our systems and modules with both
our OEM customer and the consumer in mind," says Sagady. "For our OEM
customer, the modules offer ease of assembly with minor vehicle architecture
changes. For the consumer these systems and modules offer improved ride,
handling and NVH characteristics."
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, 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 ...
Media relations contact Investor relations contact
Carrie L.P. Gray Robert A. Krause
Director, Corporate Relations Vice President & Treasurer
(313) 974-2598 (313) 974-3074
grayc@aam.com krauser@aam.com
Or visit the AAM website at http://www.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/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: Robert A. Krause, Vice President &
Treasurer, +1-313-974-3074, krauser@aam.com , both of American
Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
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