Saab and AAM Form New Tech Company

Swedish car brand Saab announced today it has entered a joint venture with American Axle Manufacturing (AAM) and formed a new technology company dubbed e-AAM Driveline Systems. The company, based in Trollhattan, will develop and market an innovative electric all-wheel drive system, as well as electric and hybrid driveline systems.

This electric all-wheel drive system can be easily integrated into existing platforms, minimizing vehicle architecture changes.

Saab will become a client of e-AAM Driveline Systems, purchasing components to be used in next-generation Saab vehicles from 2012. The new company will also market its expertise and advanced products to other car manufacturers on a global basis.

"For Saab, the announcement of this partnership is a major step towards a successful future as an independent company. Saab is currently class-leading with its innovative Cross Wheel Drive system (XWD). The new electric all-wheel drive system will secure a leadership position in its next generation Saabs. This joint venture will bring together Saab's world-class vehicle engineering expertise and AAM's extensive engineering, production and marketing capabilities, which leads to a powerful combination," Saab Automobile CEO Jan Ake Jonsson said in a statement.

"AAM is pleased to be launching this exciting new business opportunity with Saab. e-AAM will leverage the outstanding competencies of both our companies in the development of state-of-the-art electric and hybrid driveline systems needed by global OEMs to improve the fuel efficiency, ride and handling performance and overall capability of their products,” said Richard E. Dauch, CEO, Chairman and co-founder of American Axle Manufacturing.

“The new and innovative products to be engineered by e-AAM, as well as the new customers to be served by this joint venture, solidly support AAM's strategic initiative to expand and diversify our business," added Dauch.