DETROIT — American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. (AAM) has announced the launch of 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.
AAM’s EcoTrac all-wheel-drive (AWD) system was designed to enable 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. According to AAM, 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. 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, the company noted.
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. AAM says 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.
AAM’s EcoTrac high-efficiency axle systems were created to 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.
AAM says 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 COO David 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 Oct. 6-8 during the sixth International Suppliers Fair (IZB), one of Europe’s leading trade fairs for the automotive industry, held in Wolfsburg, Germany.
