DETROIT American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. (AAM) has announced the expansion of its existing joint venture with Hefei Automobile Axle Co., Ltd. (HAAC), a subsidiary of the JAC Group (Anhui Jianghuai Automotive Group Co., Ltd.) to include 100 percent of HAAC’s light commercial axle business.
The existing joint venture, Hefei AAM Automotive Driveline & Chassis System Co., Ltd. is currently a key supplier of rear beam axle, rear drive modules (RDM), power transfer units (PTU) and suspension corners for China independent brand passenger cars, SUVs and MPVs. By adding the light- and medium-duty commercial axle business, this expanded joint venture will supply front and rear beam axles to several leading Chinese light truck manufacturers, including JAC and BAIC Foton, making AAM the second largest axle supplier in China’s light commercial truck segment, according to the company.
Subject to regulatory approval in China, the expanded joint venture is expected to commence operations this month.