TROLLHATTAN, Sweden -

Saab Automobile has entered into a joint venture with American Axle Manufacturing to build and sell electric all-wheel drive systems, electric driveline systems and hybrid driveline systems. The automaker plans to use the electric system in its 2012 lineup.

Operating out of Trollhattan, Sweden, e-AAM Driveline Systems debuts Friday.

Officials said the electric all-wheel drive system can be installed into existing systems, meaning there won’t be much adjustment as far as vehicle architecture.

Saab said it will buy components from e-AAM for "next-generation” vehicles in the automaker’s 2012 lineup. Beyond Saab, e-AAM also plans to sell its products and expertise to other automakers throughout the world.

“For Saab, the announcement of this partnership is a major step toward a successful future as an independent company,” shared Jan Ake Jonsson, the chief executive officer of Saab Automobile.

“Saab is currently class-leading with its innovative Cross Wheel Drive system. The new electric all-wheel drive system will secure a leadership position in its next generation Saabs,” Jonsson continued. “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."

Richard Dauch, AAM’s CEO, chairman and co-founder, noted: “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.

“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,” he added.