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American Axle & Manufacturing Leads Way in Driveline Systems

4 October 2000

American Axle & Manufacturing Leads the Way in Driveline Systems Technology

    DETROIT, Oct. 4 American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings,
Inc. (AAM), which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, is committed to providing its
customers with the most advanced driveline systems technology available.
Further, AAM is dedicated to developing new and innovative products to meet
the ever-changing demands of the global marketplace.
    AAM's Integrated Oil Pan (IOP) Front Axle Assembly with Electronic
Disconnect and the PowerLite(TM) rear-axle system were designed, developed,
engineered and validated at the company's full-service Technical Center in
Rochester Hills, Michigan.  They are two of the many driveline design
innovations that are finding their way into current and future light trucks
and sport utility vehicles around the world.
    The IOP Electronic Disconnect Assembly was designed and developed by AAM
engineers to meet customer needs for improved performance, weight reduction,
packaging, operating temperature control, electrical interface, and
durability.
    The IOP Electronic Disconnect Assembly transmits torque from the front
axle to the 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 to allow for reduced
rolling friction.  The IOP Electronic Disconnect Assembly uses a precision
electrical actuator to engage the shift mechanism and provide feedback to the
vehicle's interfaces -- indicating the vehicle is in four-wheel-drive.
    "The IOP Disconnect Assembly yields significant improvements in vehicle
performance, ease of manufacturing, and driveline durability," says Daniel V.
Sagady P.E., vice president, Engineering & Product Development.  "Its
selection for use on a series of future vehicles demonstrates our customers'
continued confidence in our people, technology, products, processes, systems,
and performance."
    The Powerlite(TM) rear-axle system incorporates advanced materials, long-
life sealing technologies, advanced noise reduction systems, and power-dense
hypoid and differential gear design and world class manufacturing techniques.
The Salisbury-beam axle design utilizes an aluminum carrier, which has the
load-bearing capacity of a cast-iron carrier but provides significant weight
savings over traditional rear-axle systems.  The Powerlite(TM) rear-axle
system is available in either multilink or leaf-spring configuration and is
designed to accommodate electronically controlled vehicle stability handling
systems.
    The Powerlite(TM) driveline system will be utilized on a series of future
light truck and sport utility vehicles produced by a major North American
automotive manufacturer.
    "The use of our Powerlite(TM) rear axle system and our newest heavy-duty,
banjo-style front axle, coupled with integrated driveline development, testing
and production capabilities, further demonstrates AAM's commitment to be the
premier global driveline system supplier," says David C. Dauch, vice
president, Sales & Marketing.