Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Industry Co. Ltd.

A Detroit-based manufacturer of automobile driveline and drivetrain components and systems, which includes heat treating under its metal forming division, recently announced expansions of its operations in China and Spain.

American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) and Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Industry Co. Ltd. entered into a joint venture agreement to manufacture driveline systems, beginning production later this year in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in the state-level economic development zone of East Liuzhou, in the Guangxi Province. Independent rear axles and driveheads will be manufactured at Liuzhou AAM.

“Liuzhou AAM will also continue to enhance our ability to provide both conventional and electric drive axles in the world’s largest automotive market,” said David C. Dauch, AAM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Liuzhou AAM will produce driveline technology for SAIC-GM-Wuling’s SUV and MPV models. SAIC-GM-Wuling is a joint venture between General Motors and SAIC and is the largest manufacturer of rear-wheel-drive light vehicles in China.

In addition, AAM will open a new facility in Barcelona, Spain, in January 2019, producing powertrain components for Europe’s leading automakers including Renault, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, Audi, and Ford.

“The new facility will help AAM meet customer demand for products that help reduce noise and vibrations from downsized engines,” said Dauch.

Photo caption: Donald Joseph, president of AAM Asia and Weimin Li, Deputy General Manager, Guangxi Automobile Group at the Liuzhou AAM Automotive Driveline System Co., Ltd. signing ceremony.