American Axle Co-founder Richard Dauch Passes Away

(RTTNews) - Automotive supplier, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, (AXL), said that, on Friday, its 71-year old co-founder & executive chairman, Richard Dauch died. The reason of demise was not disclosed.

Dauch's 50 year old career began in 1964, after his graduation from Purdue University. He joined the General Motors Corporation, and served in it for over a period of 12 years. In 1976, Dauch joined Volkswagen of America, where he donned the role of group vice president of Manufacturing Operations. Further, former Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca recruited Dauch in 1980 for resurrecting the company's then-ailing manufacturing operations. He also led the new segment vehicle, the Chrysler minivan in Windsor Ontario in 1983.

After his stint at varied companies, Dauch co-founded American Axle & Manufacturing, with two investors to purchase the General Motors axle, forge, and driveshaft driveline assets. American Axle makes driveline and drivetrain systems, as well as related components and chassis modules for trucks.

Dauch is survived by his wife, four children, sixteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.