“Behind the wheel” demonstrations of mechanical and electric driveline technologies for automotive OEMs
American Axle & Manufacturing wrapped up a series of performance tests for its mechanical and electric driveline technologies, staged at two automotive proving tracks and intended to show off AAM’s design and manufacturing capabilities for its automaking customers.
AAM’s annual Winter Test series began in late January at proving grounds in Brimley, MI, and Arjeplog, Sweden, and continued until late March. The manufacturer did not indicate which automotive OEMs attended the series.
AAM designs and manufactures driveline and drivetrain systems for light trucks, SUVs, passenger cars and crossover vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles. It also produces driveline/drivetrain components and modules, chassis systems, and other formed products. It has seven manufacturing plants and three technical centers in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, as well as manufacturing operations in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, Scotland, South Korea, Sweden, and Thailand.
"Winter Test is more than testing and validating our components and systems,” commented David C. Dauch, chairman and CEO. “It's also an opportunity to invite customers from around the world to experience our latest technologies from the most important seat in the house: behind the wheel."
The activities included 20 events — “drive-and-learn” programs, technology demonstrations, and track events — for OEM representatives. Sixteen vehicles equipped with AAM's mechanical and electric driveline technologies were tested in “extreme cold temperatures” on different ice, snow, and handling tracks.
The technologies featured in AAM's 2016 Winter Test included the e-AAM™ hybrid and electric driveline systems, which it assured will increase fuel efficiency, decrease tail pipe emissions, and contribute to improvements in safety, acceleration and electric all-wheel drive traction.
The tests also showed off AAM’s QUANTUM™ mechanical driveline systems. This is described as "an all-new, completely redesigned" series of lightweight axles and drive units developed by AAM engineers that achieves up to 35% mass reduction, increases fuel economy and efficiency, and is scalable across multiple applications.
"Our e-AAM hybrid and electric driveline systems provide our customers solutions to achieve CO2 and fuel economy requirements, but are also very effective in adding customer value through improved driver confidence and overall driving experience,” according to CTO and v.p.– Driveline Product Engineering, Philip R. Guys.
