American Axle and Manufacturing will supply power transfer units (PTU) for Ford crossover vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) starting with the 2019 Ford Edge and Lincoln Nautilus.

The new contract expands AAM's business with Ford and supports global growth in the popular crossover segment, the supplier said in a statement.

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"Sales of crossover vehicles continue to significantly grow in markets around the globe, said AAM chairman and CEO David Dauch.

"Crossover buyers want a vehicle that is fuel efficient and safe. AAM's PTU helps deliver power while increasing efficiency."

The PTU is the heart of the vehicles' 'intelligent' AWD which uses sensors to constantly monitor traction and assist driving in difficult weather and challenging road conditions. It balances torque between the front and rear wheels to enhance handling and maximises traction before wheel slip can even occur, AAM claimed.

Located on the transmission, the PTU directs power to the RDM via the driveshaft when torque is needed. When only front wheel drive is required, the 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.

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The PTU sold to Ford is part of AAM's family of EcoTrac Disconnecting AWD products which include disconnecting PTUs, multi-piece driveshafts, rear drive modules with electronic control units and torque transfer devices.

AAM introduced the industry's first disconnecting AWD system late in 2013. Since then it has supplied 600,000 to the industry.

AAM manufactures EcoTrac products in several global locations including Three Rivers, Michigan; Guanajuato, Mexico; Changshu, China and Swidnica, Poland.

By the end of 2020, the EcoTrac line will account for about US$800m of AAM's annual revenue worldwide.

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