American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. recently announced the formation of a joint venture with Sona Koyo Steering Systems Limited of India. The new company will manufacture and sell light truck, passenger car and SUV axle assemblies as AAM Sona Axle Private Limited. The corporate headquarters, expected to open in 2008, will be located in Pune, India.

“AAM Sona Axle gives AAM a manufacturing and operations presence in India with the ability to provide current and future customers with driveline systems with the highest quality, technology and delivery that are the hallmark of AAM and Sona Koyo,” says Richard E. Dauch, AAM co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer.

Currently AAM manufactures driveline and drivetrain systems in the United States as well as overseas. Sona Koyo supplies axle assemblies for Suzuki Maruti in India.