AxleTech Independent Suspension Wins Again with GD RG-31 MRAP Vehicle

(Troy, Michigan, March 2, 2010) -- AxleTech International, a General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) company, announced today that it has won a significant award to supply 250 new RG-31 MRAP vehicles with its proprietary 4500 Series ISAS(r) product. The independent suspension systems will be delivered to BAE Systems' Land Systems South Africa division in South Africa for integration into vehicles being manufactured under a contract awarded by the U.S. Marine Corps on February 16 to General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada, the prime contractor for the award.

AxleTech's Independent Suspension Axle System (ISAS(r)) will enhance the RG-31s' capabilities in the rough terrain of Afghanistan. Work is expected to begin immediately.

The company's ISAS technology is an industry standard and widely deployed with proven performance on thousands of vehicles including Textron armored personnel carriers, Thales Bushmasters and the upgraded Navistar Defense MaxxPro. Major components are common to the current RG-31, RG-33 and Husky vehicles, heavy equipment transporters (HETs) and the Palletized Load System (PLS).

Mary Petrovich, general manager of AxleTech International, said, "We are proud to be the world's largest independent supplier of high-performance ISAS systems. This award, on the heels of our MaxxPro win last week, reaffirms AxleTech's position as a leader in mission-critical military drivetrain solutions. With best-in-class turning radius, maneuverability, and ride and handling, we offer unsurpassed off-road mobility. These upgraded RG-31s will give U.S. soldiers improved mobility and ride comfort with similar protection levels."

Source : General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD)