DETROIT, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- American Axle
& Manufacturing (AAM) is supplying its award-winning EcoTracĀ®
Disconnecting All-Wheel-Drive for Chrysler's new 2021 Chrysler
Pacifica minivan with AWD. AAM's system seamlessly provides AWD
safety and performance only when the vehicle senses it is needed
including during cold temperatures, windshield wiper use, front
wheel slip, heavy accelerations, electronic stability control
activation, abrupt steering and rough road conditions.
"AAM's was first to market with a disconnecting all-wheel-drive
system on the JeepĀ® Cherokee," said David C. Dauch, AAM Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer. "We are now expanding the relationship with Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles and supplying this innovative technology for one of the
company's key vehicles."
AAM's Pacifica's Power Transfer Unit (PTU), Rear Drive Module
(RDM) and the Drive Train Control Module (DTCM) are the heart of
the Pacifica's AWD system and use vehicle sensor data to constantly
evaluate traction and assist the driver through difficult weather
and challenging road conditions.
The PTU splits torque from the nine-speed automatic transmission
and routes it to the rear drive module. The DTCM contains AWD
system software that provides enhanced handling and improved
traction to the rear wheels via the RDM.
When only front wheel drive is required, AAM's PTU disconnects
and stops spinning the driveshaft no longer sending power to the
RDM. Less spinning helps increase efficiency and reduces emissions
while still providing enhanced safety when needed.
AAM introduced the industry's first disconnecting AWD system in
late 2013. Since then, AAM has supplied more than 600,000
disconnecting AWD units that help make vehicles safer and more
efficient.
About AAM
AAM (NYSE: AXL) delivers POWER that moves the world. As a
leading global Tier 1 automotive supplier, AAM designs, engineers
and manufactures driveline and metal forming technologies that are
making the next generation of vehicles smarter, lighter, safer and
more efficient. Headquartered in Detroit, AAM has approximately 20,000
associates operating at nearly 80 facilities in 17 countries to
support our customers on global and regional platforms with a focus
on quality, operational excellence and technology leadership. To
learn more, visit aam.com.
Contact: Andrea Knapp,
andrea.knapp@aam.com
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SOURCE American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.