Saturday, August 10, 2013

American Axle co-founder Richard Dauch dies at 71

American Axle co-founder Richard Dauch dies at 71

DETROIT, Aug 2 Reuters)-Richard "Dick" Dauch, the outspoken and hard charging co-founder and executive Chairman of American axle & manufacturing holdings, whose racing career stretched over 50 years, died Friday at the age of 71.

Not the cause of death expose auto parts supplier American axle. Dauch died at his home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

"All of us a great friend and leader have lost," said the company in a statement.

Then he worked at General Motors co in 1964 and later joined Volkswagen of America, he became the Director of the production. In 1980, he was tapped by famous auto executive Lee Iacocca, to overtake Chrysler manufacturing operations, as the company struggled to survive.

American axle was formed in 1994, as Dauch, a group of investors, the plants of GM was bought. He put immediately on an aggressive growth strategy.

"Demands perfection in everything he did, it was thick motor factory floor or his time at Chrysler, his early work on the General where he saved the company from extinction" Jay Timmons, the head of the National Association of manufacturers, said in a statement.

Dauch emerged as a controversial figure in American axle 2008 work contract talks with the United Auto Workers Union went 3,650 UAW to protest members at five factories in the strike, the low wages of offered Dauch to the negotiating table.

The strike forced GM at least partially about 30 from North American locations due to shortages of parts in idle.

In the past year, Dauch became Chief Executive of American axle, transfer remained the top spot to his son, David, but he as Chairman of the Board. Last year, he published the book "American Drive".

In a speech to the Detroit Economic Club last year, Dauch noted that the American way of life would be "less robust" for the next generation. He urged the auto industry to reform.

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