AAM Announces EcoTrac™ Brand of Fuel-Efficient and Environment-Friendly Driveline Products

DETROIT, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. ("AAM"), which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, today announced its new EcoTrac™ brand of fuel-efficient and environment-friendly driveline products. The EcoTrac™ brand includes an all-wheel-drive (AWD) fuel economy optimization system, e-AWD systems and a full range of high-efficiency axles.

EcoTrac™ AWD System

AAM's EcoTrac™ all-wheel-drive system enables a vehicle manufacturer to offer a passenger car or crossover vehicle with an all-wheel-drive option that minimizes the impact to fuel economy and reduces emissions when compared to a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

The EcoTrac™ system allows the AWD vehicle to utilize its primary drive system, the front wheels, when AWD is not required. Vehicles equipped with this advanced fuel economy optimization system can automatically transition to AWD, seamlessly and without disturbance to the driver, when the vehicle senses that AWD may be necessary. Utilizing an AAM-designed electronic controlled coupling (ECC) in the rear drive module, the system is activated and gently brings the driveline to a proper speed, delivering the necessary torque and vehicle stability performance. When conditions allow, the vehicle reverts back to an economical mode, conserving fuel and reducing emissions. The proprietary AAM electronic control software and hardware eliminates driveline mechanical losses which aid in maximizing fuel efficiency while providing enhanced vehicle control and fully variable AWD performance.

e-AWD Systems

AAM's newest Joint Venture e-AAM Driveline Systems AB will launch electric all-wheel-drive (e-AWD) systems that are designed to improve fuel efficiency up to 30 percent, reduce CO2 emissions and provide all-wheel-drive capability with the further benefit of torque vectoring for vehicle stability when compared to traditional mechanical AWD mechanical systems. This e-AWD solution is ideal for a range of passenger car and crossover vehicle configurations including conventional internal combustion engines, battery-powered hybrid platforms, plug-in platforms, or full electric drive systems.  

EcoTrac™ High-Efficiency Axles

AAM's EcoTrac™ high-efficiency axle systems demonstrate world-class axle efficiency by implementing proprietary technologies to optimize the product design and lubrication efficiency while also reducing friction. Efficiency features being implemented in the product lineup include new PowerDense ® hypoid designs, gear finishes, high-efficiency bearings and proprietary lubricants.

A key feature of these high-efficiency axles is PowerFilm®, a proprietary lubricant that provides reduced friction under high torques while also reducing energy losses within the axle. The combination of this technology within AAM's EcoTrac™ high-efficiency axles can reduce axle-related energy losses by up to 50 percent for OEM vehicles.

"We are excited to be launching AAM's new EcoTrac™ brand of fuel-efficient and environment-friendly driveline products, AAM's powerful response to our customers' need for better fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions along with superior ride and handling performance," said AAM President and Chief Operating Officer David C. Dauch. "The introduction of the EcoTrac™ AWD system strengthens AAM's position as a leader in providing industry-first, cutting edge driveline technology for global passenger car, crossover vehicle and light truck applications."

"EcoTrac's state-of-the-art product features offer vehicle manufacturers many innovative solutions for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Global customer response has been strong," said Mark Barrett, AAM Vice President for Engineering and Product Development. "EcoTrac™ enhances AAM's technology leadership position and allows us to continue expanding and diversifying AAM's product portfolio and customer base."

AAM's product technology supporting the EcoTrac™ brand will be on display during the sixth International Suppliers Fair (IZB), Europe's leading trade fair for the automotive industry, held in Wolfsburg, Germany from October 6 to 8, 2010.

About AAM

AAM is a publicly traded company on the NYSE (Symbol: AXL) and a world leader in the manufacture, engineering, design and validation of driveline and drivetrain systems and related components and modules, chassis systems and metal-formed products for trucks, sport utility vehicles, passenger cars and crossover utility vehicles. In addition to locations in the United States (Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania), AAM also has offices or facilities in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

SOURCE American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.