American Axle & Manufacturing has an agreement with Drexler Automotive GmbH to expand their working relationship, specifically to supply high-performance differentials and differential technologies to the wider transportation market — namely, passenger cars, light trucks, crossover vehicles, and SUVs. The two companies already collaborate on such technologies for the premium vehicle market.
The new agreement will result in production of new automotive differential products starting later this year, according to American Axle (AAM.)
“AAM and Drexler are partnering to offer the market mature differential technology that will allow the general driver new levels of excitement by taking handling and traction to new levels of performance,” stated Alberto Satine, president AAM Driveline. “Combining AAM and Drexler’s design, engineering and manufacturing expertise will provide our customers with the highest-quality, most-advanced driveline systems.”
Detroit-based American Axle is a global designer and manufacturer of automotive driveline and drivetrain components (including forgings) and systems. Drexler Automotive develops and produces drive technology for motor sports and performance vehicles, including limited slip differential, racing gearboxes, driveshafts, and hub systems.
According to AAM, the expanded relationship “immediately integrates” electro-mechanical limited slip differentials (eLSDs) into the AAM TracRite differential series, which can be designed into all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive vehicles, to improve traction and performance.
AAM noted that a TracRite eLSD will begin production later this year, though it did not indicate the automotive customer for such products.
