Global automotive supplier Marelli and PUNCH, a supplier for the development, integration and manufacturing of driveline and powertrain solutions, are to form a joint venture focused on axle solutions. Both companies combine their extensive expertise in the area of electric powertrains to offer integrated systems for electric vehicles.  

The joint venture – which is to be majority owned by Marelli – will be focused on a system approach for optimised integrated e-axle solutions. The company will develop and assemble e-axle systems and be targeted specifically toward the markets in Europe and the Americas.

The new enterprise – Marelli Electric Powertrain Strasbourg (France) – will be headquartered at PUNCH’s site in Strasbourg, France, in proximity to major European vehicle makers. The joint venture will have a facility for production, prototyping and testing on-site.

E-axles are a key system of electric vehicles. While Marelli will supply electric motors and inverters including software for the e-axles, PUNCH will contribute gearbox components and development as well as manufacturing expertise.

“PUNCH’s and Marelli’s strengths in the field of electric powertrains are a great match. The joint venture is an important milestone in Marelli’s e-mobility growth strategy,” said Hannes Prenn, Executive Vice-President and CEO of Marelli’s Electric Powertrain business. “With this cooperation, we further expand our unique offering as a full system provider for electric powertrains which is complemented by our thermal and battery management solutions.”

“PUNCH wants to be a major player for reducers as part of complete e-axles, representing one of the key components for electric mobility. The partnership with Marelli is an enabler for us to accelerate and execute our long-term strategy from fossil to electric and ultimately clean hydrogen powertrain systems,” said Guido Dumarey, founder and CEO, PUNCH.