American Axle & Manufacturing Announces SmartBar(TM) Application for the Jeep Rubicon

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2006 -- American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM), which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, today announced that the 2007 Jeep(R) Wrangler Rubicon, will feature AAM's patented electronically- controlled SmartBar(TM) stabilizer system.

AAM's SmartBar(TM) is a microprocessor controlled disconnecting stabilizer system that provides maximum suspension articulation during off-road and rock climbing situations. When in the connected mode, the SmartBar(TM) functions as a traditional stabilizer bar system to assist in controlling vehicle roll stability. It utilizes electronics and firmware control with connect and disconnect modes of the two stabilizer halves thereby making them truly independent of each other.

AAM first produced the SmartBar(TM) for the 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon.

"We are extremely pleased that AAM's SmartBar(TM) was chosen for the new Jeep(R) Wrangler Rubicon," says AAM Vice President, Engineering & Chief Technology Officer John J. Bellanti. "The design of the SmartBar(TM) is ideally suited to meet the off-road and rock-climbing requirements of Jeep(R) enthusiasts.

"The development of the SmartBar(TM) further demonstrates AAM's commitment to incorporate electronic technology into our strong product portfolio of driveline systems and components to meet the changing needs of our OEM customers."

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 light trucks, sport utility vehicles and passenger cars. In addition to its locations in the United States (in Michigan, New York and Ohio), AAM also has offices or facilities in Brazil, China, England, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Scotland and South Korea.