As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
Registration No. 333-162550 
Registration No. 333-115317333-162550-01


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


Amendment No. 1 to
Form S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE

SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
Delaware38-3138388

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation of organization)
 38-3138388
(I.R.S. employer identification number)

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
Delaware36-3161171

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation ofor organization)
 36-3161171
(I.R.S. employer identification number)

One Dauch Drive

Detroit, Michigan 48211

(313) 758-2000

(Address including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants’ principal executive offices)


Patrick S. Lancaster

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

One Dauch Drive

Detroit, Michigan 48211

(313) 758-2000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service for the registrants)


Copies to:


Lisa L. Jacobs, Esq.


Shearman & Sterling LLP

599 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

(212) 848-4000
(212) 848-4000


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

Registration Statement.

If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.o

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following
box.xþ

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the securities actSecurities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.o

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.o

If delivery ofthis form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Prospectus is expected to be madeCommission pursuant to Rule 434, please462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.o
     If this form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated fileroAccelerated filerþNon-accelerated fileroSmaller reporting companyo
(do not check if a smaller reporting company)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
         


Proposed MaximumProposed Maximum
Title of Each Class ofAmount to beOffering Price PerAggregate OfferingAmount of
Securities to be RegisteredRegisteredUnit or Share(1)Price(1)Registration Fee

2.00% Senior Convertible Notes due 2024 $150,000,000 100% $150,000,000 $19,005(5)
Guarantees of 2.00% Senior Convertible Notes due 2024    (2)
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share (3) (3) (3) (4)


                       
 
         Proposed Maximum  Proposed Maximum    
 Title of Each Class of  Amount to  Offering Price  Aggregate  Amount of 
 Securities to be Registered  be Registered  Per Unit  Offering Price  Registration Fee 
 Primary Offering: Debt securities, warrants to purchase debt securities, guarantees, common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and preferred stock                     
 Total for sale by registrant   (3)    (3)    $500,000,000 (1)    $27,900 (2)  
 Secondary Offering: Warrants to purchase common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and underlying shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants                     
 Total for sale by selling security holders   4,093,729    $2.76 (4)    $11,298,692 (4)    $630.47 (4)  
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457.rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
(2)UnderCalculated in accordance with Rule 457(a)457(o) under the Securities Act there is no additional filing fee payable with respect to the guarantees of the convertible notes being registered.1933, as amended.
 
(3)Includes 2,706,315 sharesNot specified as to each class of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes at the rate of 18.0421 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the notes. Under Rule 416securities to be registered pursuant to General Instruction II(D) to Form S-3 under the Securities Act the number of shares of common stock registered includes an indeterminate number of shares of common stock that may be issued in connection with a stock split, stock dividend, reorganization or similar event.1933, as amended.
 
(4)UnderCalculated in accordance with Rule 457(i), there is no additional filing fee payable under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the shares of common stock issuable upon conversionper share exercise price of the notes because no additional consideration will be received in connection with the exercisewarrant of the conversion privilege.
(5) Previously paid.$2.76.

The registrantsregistrant hereby amendamends this Registration Statementregistration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrantsregistrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statementregistration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statementregistration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.



PART I

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

I-1


The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 7, 2004November 5, 2009

PROSPECTUS

$150,000,0000PROSPECTUS

(AAM LOGO)

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
2.00% SENIOR CONVERTIBLE NOTES DUE 2024Debt Securities
Guarantees
Warrants to Purchase Debt Securities
Warrants to Purchase Common Stock
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
GUARANTEED BY AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
AND
COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF THE NOTES


    We issued $150,000,000 aggregate original principal amount of our 2.00% senior convertible notes due 2024 guaranteed by American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. in a private placement in February 2004.

     We will pay interest on February 15provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements or term sheets to this prospectus and August 15 of each year, beginning August 15, 2004 until February 15, 2011. After that date, we will not pay cash interest on the notes prior to maturity unless contingent cash interest becomes payable. Instead, on February 15, 2024, the maturity date of the notes, a holder will receive the accreted principal amount of a note, whichwhether an offer will be equal to $1,295.26 per note. The rate of accretion of the principal amount representsmade by us, a yield to maturity of 2% per year, computed on a semiannual bond equivalent basis and calculated from February 15, 2011. The notes will be senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with our existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. In addition, the notes will effectively rank junior to our existing and future secured indebtedness as to the assets securing such indebtedness and to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries except American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.,selling security holder or AAM Inc., which will guarantee the notes on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis.

    Holders may convert their notes into 18.0421 shares of our common stock for each $1,000 original principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment, (1) in any fiscal quarter, if, as of the last day of the preceding fiscal quarter, the closing sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days exceeds a specified threshold, (2) during any period in which the credit rating of the notes is below a specified level, (3) if the notes are called for redemption, or (4) if specified corporate transactions have occurred. Upon conversion, we will have the right to deliver, in lieu of our common stock, cash or a combination of cash and common stock in an amount described herein.

    The selling securityholders identified inboth. You should read this prospectus, may offer from time to time up to $150,000,000 of the notesprospectus supplements and shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes.term sheets carefully before you invest.

     We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the notes or shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes by any of the selling securityholders. The notes and the shares of common stock may be offered in negotiated transactions or otherwise, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. In addition, shares of our common stock may be offered from timeuse this prospectus to time through ordinary brokerage institutions on the New York Stock Exchange. See “Plan of Distribution.”

    We will pay contingent cash interest to the holders of the notes during any six-month period commencing February 16, 2011 if the average market price of a note for a five trading day measurement period preceding the applicable six-month period equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price plus accreted principal and accrued cash interest, if any, for a note. The contingent cash interest payable per note in respectconfirm sales of any six-month period in which contingent interestsecurities unless it is payable will equal an annual rate of 0.25% of the average market price ofattached to a note for the five trading day measurement period.

    Holders may require us to purchase for cash allprospectus supplement or a portion of their notes on February 20, 2011 at a price of $1,000.28 per note, on February 15, 2014 at a price of $1,061.52 per note, and on February 15, 2019 at a price of $1,172.58 per note, in each case, plus accrued cash interest, if any. In addition, if a change in control occurs, each holder may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of such holder’s notes at a price equal to the sum of the issue price plus accreted principal and accrued cash interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

    We may redeem for cash all or a portion of the notes at any time on or after February 20, 2011, at a price equal to the sum of the issue price plus accreted principal and accrued cash interest, if any, to the redemption date.

    Our common stock currently trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AXL.” On July 6, 2004, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NYSE was $34.46 per share.

    We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any security exchange or for inclusion of the notes in any automated quotation system. The notes originally issued in the private placement are eligible for trading in The Portal Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. However, notes sold pursuant to this prospectus will no longer be eligible for trading in The Portal Market.


term sheet.

     Investing in the notes and common stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7 of this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS      , 2004.2009.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS


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IMPORTANT NOTICE TO READERSWHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     This prospectus is part

     We are required to comply with the reporting requirements of a registration statement thatthe Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and, in accordance with those requirements, we filedfile combined reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, the selling securityholders may, from time to time, offer notes or shares of our common stock owned by them. Each time the selling securityholders offer notes or common stock under this prospectus, they will provide a copy of this prospectus and, if applicable, a copy of a prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and, if applicable, any prospectus supplement together with the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation by Reference” for more information.

     You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus or any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of the applicable documents or as specifically indicated in the document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospectus may have changed since that date.

(the “SEC”). Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to the “company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” shall mean collectively (i) American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., or AAM Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and (ii) American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., or Holdings, or the issuer, a Delaware corporation and the direct parent corporation of AAM Inc.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You can inspect, read and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information at the public reference facilities the SEC maintains at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549.     You can call the SEC’s toll-free number at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms.information. The SEC maintains a website atwww.sec.govthat contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding companies like ours that file with the SEC electronically. The documents can be found by searching the EDGAR archives at the SEC’s website or can be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Section of the SEC located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Our SEC filings and other information about us may also be obtained from our website atwww.aam.com,, although information on our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus. Material that we have filed may also be inspected at the library of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

     The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents that are considered part of this prospectus. Later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i) after the date of the filing of this registration statement and prior to its effectiveness and (ii) until the offering of the particular securities covered by a prospectus supplement or term sheet has been completed. This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC.

     We are incorporating by reference into this prospectus the following documents filed with the SEC (excluding any portions of such documents that have been “furnished” but not “filed” for purposes of the Exchange Act):
 Annual ReportHoldings’ annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.2008 filed with the SEC on March 13, 2009.
 
 Quarterly ReportHoldings’ quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.2009 filed with the SEC on May 4, 2009.
 
 Current ReportsHoldings’ quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 filed with the SEC on August 6, 2009.
Holdings’ quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 filed with the SEC on October 30, 2009.
Holdings’ current reports on Form 8-K dated filed with the SEC on January 23, 2004,30, 2009 (Item 8.01), February 6, 2004,13, 2009, February 19, 2009, March 1, 2004, March 8, 2004, April 5, 2004, April4, 2009, May 29, 20042009, June 4, 2009 (Item 8.01), July 7, 2009 (excluding Item 7.01), July 30, 2009 (excluding Item 7.01), August 18, 2009 (excluding Item 7.01), August 31, 2009 (excluding Item 7.01), September 16, 2009 (excluding Item 7.01), September 17, 2009 (excluding Item 7.01), October 30, 2009 (Item 8.01 and June 1, 2004.9.01) and November 2, 2009.

     You may obtain a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
Attention: Investor Relations
One Dauch Drive
Detroit, Michigan 48211-1198
Telephone Number: (313) 758-4814

     You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different or additional information. This prospectus is an offer to sell or to buy only the securities referred to herein, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so.

     The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of the date hereof.

iii


SUMMARY

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements (including the notes thereto) appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Statements concerning the automotive industry contained ordocuments incorporated by reference in this prospectus are based on information compiled byavailable from us or derived from public sources that we believe to be reliable, including J.D. Power & Associates, Inc.upon request. We will provide a copy of any and Autofacts Automotive Outlook. Because this is a summary, it may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read the entire prospectus, as well as the informationis incorporated by reference before making an investment decision. Some of the statements in this “Summary” are forward-looking statements. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements”prospectus to any person, without charge, upon written or oral request. Requests for moresuch copies should be directed to the following:

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
Attention: Investor Relations
One Dauch Drive
Detroit, Michigan 48211-1198
Telephone Number: (313) 758-4814
     Except as provided above, no other information, regarding these statements.including, but not limited to, information on our websites is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING

     We are a premier Tier I supplier to the automotive industry and a worldwide leader in theindustry. We manufacture, engineering,engineer, design and validation ofvalidate driveline and drivetrain systems and related powertrain components and chassis modules for light trucks, sport-utilitysport utility vehicles or SUVs,(“SUVs”), passenger cars and passenger cars.crossover utility vehicles. Driveline and drivetrain systems include components that transfer power from the transmission and deliver it to the drive wheels. Our driveline, drivetrain and related powertrain products include axles, chassis modules, driveshafts, power transfer units, transfer cases, chassis and steering components, driving heads, crankshafts, transmission parts and forgedmetal-formed products. In addition to our 14 locations in the U.S. (in Michigan, New York and Ohio), we have offices and facilities in Brazil, England, Germany, Japan, Mexico and Scotland.

     We are the principal supplier of driveline components to General Motors Corporation or GM,(“GM”) for its rear-wheel drive or RWD,(“RWD”) light trucks and SUVs manufactured in North America, supplying substantially all of GM’s rear axle and front four-wheel drive/drive and all-wheel drive or (“4WD/ AWD,AWD”) axle requirements for these vehicle platforms inplatforms.
     We are also the first quarterprincipal supplier of 2004. As a result of our Component Supply Agreement, or CSA,driveline system products for Chrysler LLC (“Chrysler”) heavy-duty Dodge Ram full-size pickup trucks (“Dodge Ram program”) and Lifetime Program Contracts with GM, or LPCs, we are the sole-source supplierits derivatives.
     In addition to GM for certain axles and other driveline products for the life of each GM vehicle program covered by a LPC.

     Substantially all of our sales to GM are made pursuant to the LPCs. The LPCs have terms equal to the lives of the relevant vehicle programs or their respective derivatives, which typically run 6 to 12 years, and require us to remain competitive with respect to technology, design and quality. We have been successful in competing, and will continue to compete, for future GM business upon the termination of the LPCs or the CSA.

     We sell most of our products under long-term contracts with prices scheduled at the time the contracts are established. Some of our contracts require us to reduce our prices in subsequent years and most of our contracts allow us to adjust prices for engineering changes. Price reductions under long-term contracts are a common practice in the automotive industry. We do not believe that price reductionsChrysler, we have committed to our customers will have a material adverse impact on our future operating results because we intend to offset such price reductions through purchased material cost reductions and other productivity improvements.

     Sales to GM were $762.0 million in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $805.7 million in the first quarter of 2003. Sales to GM represented approximately 80% of our total net sales in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to 83% in the first quarter of 2003 and 82% for the full-year 2003.

     We also supply driveline systems and other related components to DaimlerChrysler Corporation, or DaimlerChrysler, PACCAR Inc., Volvo Group, Ford Motor Company (“Ford”), Harley-Davidson and other original equipment manufacturers or OEMs,(“OEMs”) and Tier I supplier companies such as Delphi Corporation, New Venture Gear, Inc. and The Timken Company. Our sales to customers other than GM increased 13% to $190.8 million in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $169.6 million in the first quarter of 2003. The growth in our sales to customers other than GM was primarily due to continued strong sales of our products supporting the Chrysler Group’s heavy-duty Dodge Ram full-size pickup trucks, or Dodge Ram program, as well as our 2003 launch of new driveshafts for the

Company, Jatco Ltd. and Hino Motors, Ltd.

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Dodge Durango program and
USE OF PROCEEDS
     Except as may be described otherwise in a prospectus supplement or term sheet, we will add the net shaped transmission gears for various front-wheel-drive-based vehicle platformsproceeds from the sale of the Ford Motor Company. As a result of these sales gains, salessecurities under this prospectus to DaimlerChrysler were 12% of our total net sales in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to 9% of our total net sales in the first quarter of 2003general funds and 9%will use them for the full-year 2003.


     Our executive offices are located at One Dauch Drive, Detroit, Michigan 48211-1198,working capital and our telephone number is (313) 758-2000.

other general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, reducing or refinancing indebtedness or funding acquisitions.

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The OfferingPROSPECTUS
     This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may sell any combination of the following securities in one or more offerings:
IssuerAmerican Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.debt securities (“debt securities”), which may be either senior (the “senior securities”) or subordinated (the “subordinated securities”), unsecured (“unsecured debt securities”) or secured (“secured debt securities”) guaranteed by Holdings.;
 
Notes Offered$150,000,000 aggregate original principal amount of our 2.00% senior convertible notes due 2024.warrants to purchase debt securities (“debt warrants”);
 
Maturity DateFebruary 15, 2024.warrants to purchase shares of the common stock of Holdings, issued to General Motors Company (“GM”) pursuant to the warrant agreement by and between Holdings and GM dated as of September 16, 2009, (“common stock warrants”) and the underlying shares of the common stock of Holdings (“warrant shares”);
 
Cash Interest2% per year on the original principal amount, payable semiannually in arrears in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning August 15, 2004 until February 15, 2011.
 
Contingent Cash InterestWe will pay contingent cash interest to holdersshares of the notes during any six-month period from February 16 to August 15 and from August 16 to February 15, commencing February 16, 2011, if the average market price of a note for the five trading days ending on the third trading day immediately preceding the first day of the relevant six-month period equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price, accreted principal and accrued cash interest, if any, for a note to the day immediately preceding the relevant six-month period.
The contingent cash interest payable per note in respect of any six-month period in which contingent interest is payable will equal an annual rate of 0.25% of the average market price of a note for the five trading day measurement period.
Contingent cash interest, if any, will accrue and be payable to holders of notes as of the 15th day preceding the last day of the relevant six-month period. Such payments will be paid on the last day of the relevant six-month period. Principal will continue to accrete at the yield to maturity whether or not contingent cash interest is paid.
Yield-to-Maturity of Notes2% per year (based on the issue price of $1,000 per note), computed on a semiannual bond equivalent basis and calculated from February 11, 2004, excluding any contingent cash interest.
Accreted Principal AmountBeginning February 15, 2011, the notes will cease bearing cash interest. Instead, from such date the original principal amount of each note will commence increasing by the rate of 2% per year to produce the accreted principal amount. On February 15, 2024, the maturity date of the notes, a holder will receive $1,295.26 for each $1,000 original principal amount of notes, which is the fully accreted principal amount of a note on such date.
U.S. Federal Income
Tax Considerations
The notes will be debt instruments subject to the United States federal income tax contingent payment debt regulations. You should be aware that, even if we do not pay any contingent cash interest on the notes, you will be required to include imputed interest in your gross income for United States federal income tax purposes. For United States federal income tax purposes, interest, also referred to as tax original issue discount, will accrue from February 11, 2004 at a constant rate of 4.58% per year, compounded semi-annually, which represents the yield on our comparable non-contingent, nonconvertible, fixed-rate debt instruments with terms and conditions otherwise similar to the notes. United States holders will be required to include

3


tax original issue discount (including the portion of the tax original issue discount represented by cash interest payments) in their gross income as it accrues regardless of their method of tax accounting. The rate at which the tax original issue discount will accrue for United States federal income tax purposes will exceed payments of cash interest.
You also will recognize gain or loss on the sale, purchase by us at your option, exchange, conversion or redemption of a note in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, purchase by us at your option, exchange, conversion or redemption, including the fair market value of any common stock received upon conversion or otherwise, and your adjusted tax basis in the note. Any gain recognized by you on the sale, purchase by us at your option, exchange, conversion or redemption of a note generally will be ordinary interest income; any loss will be ordinary loss to the extent of the interest previously included in income, and thereafter, capital loss. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
GuaranteeOur monetary obligations under the notes will be guaranteed on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis by American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., our principal operating subsidiary. See “Description of the Notes — Guarantee.” No subsidiaries of AAM Inc. will be guaranteeing the notes.
Conversion RightsIf the conditions for conversion are satisfied, for each $1,000 original principal amount of notes surrendered for conversion, you will receive 18.0421 shares of our Holdings. (“common stock, which we refer to as the conversion rate. In lieu of delivering shares of our common stock upon conversion of all or any portion of the notes, we may elect to pay holders surrendering notes, cash or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock for the notes surrendered. If we elect to pay holders cash for their notes, the payment will be based on the average sale price of our common stock for the five consecutive trading days immediately following either:
• the date of our notice of our election to deliver cash, which we must give within two business days after receiving a conversion notice, unless we have earlier given notice of redemption as described in this prospectus;stock”); or
 
 the conversion date, if we have given notice of redemption specifying that we intend to deliver cash upon conversion thereafter,
 
in either case multiplied by the conversion rate in effect on the conversion date.
The conversion rate may be adjusted for certain reasons, but will not be adjusted for accreted principal, accrued cash interest or any contingent cash interest. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the indenture as a result of our recently declared dividend. See “Dividend Policy.” Upon conversion, a holder will not receive any cash payment representing accreted principal, accrued cash interest or contingent cash interest.

4


Instead, accreted principal, accrued cash interest or contingent cash interest will be deemed paid by the shares of common stock received by the holder on conversion.
Holders may surrender notes for conversion into shares of our commonpreferred stock in any fiscal quarter if, as of the last day of the preceding fiscal quarter, the closing sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of such preceding fiscal quarter is more than 125% of the accreted conversion price per share of common stock on the last day of such preceding fiscal quarter. The accreted conversion price per share as of any day will equal the sum of the issue price of the note plus the accreted principal to that day, if any, divided by the then applicable conversion rate.
Holders may also surrender notes for conversion during any period in which the credit rating assigned to the notes by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) is BB or lower and the credit rating assigned to the notes by Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) is Ba2 or lower.
Notes or portions of notes in integral multiples of $1,000 original principal amount called for redemption may be surrendered for conversion until the close of business on the second business day prior to the redemption date. In addition, if we make a significant distribution to our shareholders or are a party to certain consolidations, mergers, binding share exchanges or sales of all or substantially all of our assets, notes may be surrendered for conversion, as provided in “Description of the Notes — Conversion Rights.” The ability to surrender notes for conversion will expire at the close of business on February 14, 2024.
Redemption of Notes at Our OptionWe may redeem for cash all or a portion of the notes at any time on or after February 20, 2011 at redemption prices equal to the sum of the issue price plus accreted principal and accrued cash interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date. See “Description of the Notes — Redemption of Notes at Our Option.”
Purchase of Notes by Us at the
Option of the Holder
Holders may require us to purchase all or a portion of their notes for cash on each of the following dates at the following prices, plus accrued cash interest, if any, to the purchase date:
• On February 20, 2011 at a price of $1,000.28 per note;
• On February 15, 2014 at a price of $1,061.52 per note; and
• On February 15, 2019 at a price of $1,172.58 per note.
Change in ControlUpon a change in control of Holdings, the holders may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes at a price equal to the sum of the issue price plus accreted principal plus accrued cash interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
RankingThe notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and, as guaranteed, will rank equally with all of the unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Holdings and AAM Inc., effectively junior to all of the secured indebtedness of Holdings and AAM Inc., to the extent of(“preferred stock”).

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the assets securing that indebtedness, and effectively junior to all indebtedness of the subsidiaries of AAM Inc. As of March 31, 2004, Holdings had consolidated indebtedness of $571.3 million. Of this amount:
• Holdings and AAM Inc. have an aggregate of $527.8 million of unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness outstanding;
• Holdings and AAM Inc., not including its subsidiaries, have an aggregate of $2.5 million of secured indebtedness outstanding; and
• Subsidiaries of AAM Inc. have an aggregate of $41.0 million of indebtedness and other liabilities outstanding.
Use of ProceedsWe will not receive any proceeds from the sale by any selling securityholder of the notes or the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes.
TradingThe notes issued in the initial placement are eligible for trading on The Portal Market. Notes sold using this prospectus, however, will no longer be eligible for trading on The Portal Market. We have not listed, and do not intend to list, the notes on any securities exchange or automated quotation system.
NYSE Symbol for Common StockAXL.
Risk FactorsSee “Risk Factors” and other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in the notes.

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     The terms of the securities will be determined at the time of offering.

RISK FACTORS

     We will refer to the debt securities, debt warrants, common stock warrants, warrant shares, the guarantees of the debt securities, common stock and preferred stock, or any combination of those securities, proposed to be sold under this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet as the “offered securities.” The offered securities, together with any debt securities, common stock and preferred stock issuable upon exercise of debt warrants, common stock warrants, warrant shares or conversion or exchange of other offered securities, as applicable, will be referred to as the “securities.”
You should carefully considerrely only on the specific risk factors set forth below as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus before decidingor prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to invest in the notes. Some factors in this section are “forward-looking statements.” For a discussion of those statements and of other factors for investors to consider, see “Forward-Looking Statements.”

Risks Related to the Notes

There are no restrictive covenants in the indenture for the notes relating to our ability to incur future indebtedness or complete other transactions.

The indenture governing the notes doesprovide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not contain any financial or operating covenants or restrictionsrely on the payment of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness, transactions with affiliates, incurrence of liens or the issuance or repurchase of securities by us or any of our subsidiaries.it. We therefore may incur additional debt, including secured indebtedness that would be effectively senior to the notes, or indebtedness at the subsidiary level to which the notes would be structurally subordinated. We cannot assure you that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flow to pay the interest on our debt or that future working capital, borrowings or equity financing will be available to pay or refinance any such debt.

The notes are our unsecured obligations. A substantial portion of our operations are conducted through our direct and indirect subsidiaries, and the claims of creditors of our subsidiaries are effectively senior to claims of holders of the notes.

     The notes are our unsecured obligations, ranking equally in right of payment with all of our other existing and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations. The notes are not secured bymaking an offer to sell these securities in any of our assets. Any future claims of secured lenders with respect to assets securing their loans will be prior to any claim ofjurisdiction where the holders of the notes with respect to those assets.

     A significant portion of our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to service our debts, including our obligations under the notes and other obligations,offer or sale is dependent to some extent on the earnings of our subsidiaries and the payment of those earnings to us in the form of dividends, loans or advances and through repayment of loans or advances from us. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities. AAM Inc., our principal operating subsidiary, will guarantee the notes on an unsecured, unsubordinated basis. Our subsidiaries have no obligation to pay any amounts due on the notes or to provide us with funds to meet our payment obligations on the notes, whether in the form of dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. In addition, any payment of dividends, loans or advances by our subsidiaries could be subject to statutory or contractual restrictions. Payments to us by our subsidiaries will also be contingent upon our subsidiaries’ earnings and business considerations. Our right to receive any assets of any of our subsidiaries upon our liquidation or reorganization, and therefore the right to the holders of the notes to participate in those assets, will be effectively subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary’s creditors, including trade creditors. Further, indebtedness under our senior revolving credit facility may be guaranteed in the future by certain of AAM Inc.’s subsidiaries and the claims of creditors of these subsidiaries will be effectively senior to claims of holders of the notes with respect to any such guarantees. See “Description of Certain Other Indebtedness.” In addition, even if we are a creditor of any of our subsidiaries, our right as a creditor would be subordinate to any security interest in the assets of our subsidiaries and any indebtedness of our subsidiaries senior to that held by us.

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AAM Inc.’s guarantee may be unenforceable due to fraudulent conveyance statutes and, accordingly, you could have no claim against AAM Inc., as guarantor of the notes.

     A court could, under fraudulent conveyance laws, subordinate or void the guarantee of AAM Inc. if it foundnot permitted. You should assume that the guarantee was incurred with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors, or if the guarantor did not receive fair consideration reasonably equivalent in value for the guarantee and that the guarantor:

• was insolvent or rendered insolvent because of the guarantee;
• was engaged in a business or transaction for which its remaining assets constituted unreasonably small capital; or
• intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond the guarantor’s ability to pay at maturity.

AAM Inc. does not believe that the issuance of their guarantees will be a fraudulent conveyance because, among other things, AAM Inc. will receive benefits from this offering and the application of a portion of the proceeds from it. However, if a court were to void the guarantee of AAM Inc. as the result of a fraudulent conveyance by such guarantor or hold it unenforceable for any other reason, you would cease to have a claim against AAM Inc. based on its guarantee and would solely be a creditor of ours, as issuer of the notes.

We expect that the trading value of the notes will be significantly affected by the price of our common stock.

The market price of the notes is expected to be significantly affected by the market price of our common stock. This may result in greater volatility in the trading value of the notes than would be expected for non-convertible debt securities we issue.

The conditional conversion feature of the notes could result in your receiving less than the value of the common stock into which a note is convertible.

The notes are convertible into shares of our common stock only if specified conditions are met. If the specific conditions for conversion are not met, you will not be able to convert your notes, and you may not be able to receive the value of the common stock into which the notes would otherwise be convertible.

Our reported earnings per share may be more volatile because of the contingent conversion provision of the notes.

Holders of the notes are entitled to convert the notes into our common stock (or, at our election, cash or a combination of cash and common stock), among other circumstances, if the closing sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading day period ending on the last trading day of a fiscal quarter exceeds 125% of the then accreted conversion price in effect on such last trading day. Until this contingency or another conversion contingency is met, the shares underlying the notes are not included in the calculation of our basic or diluted earnings per share. Should any of these contingencies be met, diluted earnings per share would be expected to decrease as a result of the inclusion of the underlying shares in our diluted earnings per share calculation. Volatility in our stock price could cause this common stock price condition to be met in one quarter and not in a subsequent quarter, increasing the volatility of our diluted earnings per share.

We may not have the ability to purchase notes when required under the terms of the notes.

     Holders of notes may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes upon the occurrence of certain specific kinds of change in control events and on February 20, 2011, February 15, 2014 and February 15, 2019. As a result, upon a change of control or if we are otherwise required to purchase notes at the option of the holder, it is possible that we may not have sufficient funds at that time to make the required purchase of notes.

     We are a holding company and our cash flow depends on distributions to us from our subsidiaries, which may be restricted. Accordingly, our ability to purchase the notes at the option of the holder will depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us.

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In addition, the terms of any future indebtedness we incur may restrict our ability to purchase notes upon a change of control or if we are otherwise required to purchase notes at the option of the holder. If such indebtedness contained such a restriction, we would have to seek the consent of the lenders or repay those borrowings. If we were unable to obtain the necessary consent or unable to repay those borrowings, we would be unable to purchase the notes and, as a result, would be in default under the notes.

You should consider the United States federal income tax consequences of owning the notes.

     The notes will be characterized as indebtedness for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, you will be required to include, in your income, interest with respect to the notes.

     The notes will also be characterized as contingent payment debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax regulations applicable to contingent payment debt instruments. Consequently, the notes will be treated as issued with original issue discount for United States federal income tax purposes, and you will be required to include such tax original issue discount in your income as it accrues. The amount of tax original issue discount required to be included by you in income for each year generally will be in excess of the payments and accruals on the notes for non-tax purposes (i.e., in excess of the stated semi-annual regular interest payments and accruals and any contingent interest payments) in that year.

You will recognize gain or loss on the sale, purchase by us at your option, exchange, conversion or redemption of a note in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized, including the fair market value of any of our common stock received, and your adjusted tax basis in the note. Any gain recognized by you on the sale, purchase by us at your option, exchange, conversion or redemption of a note will be treated as ordinary interest income. A discussion of the United States federal income tax consequences of ownership of the notes is containedinformation appearing in this prospectus, under the heading “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

An active trading market for the notes may not develop.

     Thereprospectus supplement, or any documents incorporated by reference is no established public trading market for the notes. The notes originally issued in the private placement are eligible for trading on The Portal Market. However, notes sold pursuant to this prospectus will no longer be eligible for trading on The Portal Market. The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or included in any automated quotation system. We cannot assure you that an active trading market for the notes will develop or, if such market develops, how liquid it will be.

     If a trading market does not develop or is not maintained, holdersaccurate only as of the notes may experience difficulty in reselling, or an inability to sell,date on the notes. If a market for the notes develops, any such market may be discontinued at any time. If a public trading market develops for the notes, future trading pricesfront cover of the notes will depend on many factors, including, without limitation, the price of our common stock into which the notes are convertible, prevailing interest rates, our operating results and the market for similar securities. Depending on the price of our common stock into which the notes are convertible, prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities and other factors, including our financial condition, the notes may trade at a discount from their original principal amount.

Risks Relating to the Business

Our operations are linked to domestic automotive production, and a decrease in consumer demand, tighter government regulations or increased costs could negatively impact our operations.

applicable document. Our operations are cyclical because they are directly related to domestic automotive production, which is itself cyclical and dependent on general economic conditions and other factors. Sales of axles and related driveline components for light trucks and SUVs represented approximately 94% of our sales in the first quarter of 2004 and approximately 94% of our sales in 2003. There can be no assurance that positive trends in sales of these vehicles, or that the increasing penetration of 4WD/ AWDs, as a percentage of these vehicles, will continue. A decrease in consumer demand for the models that generate the most sales for us, our failure to obtain sales orders

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for new or redesigned models or pricing pressure from our customers or competitors could have a material adverse effect on our business. Disruptions in the availability of fuel or government regulations, including those relating to Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations, could impact vehicle mix and volume, which could also adversely affect the demand for our existing products.

The prices of the raw materials needed for our products may increase due to competitive factors or government regulations and we may be unable to pass these raw material price increases to our customers. In addition, we sell most of our products under long-term contracts with prices scheduled at the time the contracts are established. There is substantial and continuing pressure from our key customers, the major automotive companies, to reduce the number of outside suppliers and reduce costs. We believe that our ability to control costs, achieve productivity improvements and develop new products will be essential to remain competitive. There can be no assurance that we will be able to improve or maintain our profitability on product sales.

The loss of or a significant reduction in, purchases of our products by GM, DaimlerChrysler or other customers could adversely affect our business.

We are the principal supplier of driveline components to GM for its RWD light trucks and SUVs manufactured in North America, supplying substantially all of GM’s rear axle and front 4WD/ AWD axle requirements for these vehicle platforms. We sell products to GM under LPCs, which have terms equal to the lives of the relevant vehicle programs or their respective derivatives of typically 6 to 12 years. The LPCs establish pricing for products sold to GM and require us to remain competitive with respect to technology, design and quality. Substantially all of our sales to GM are made pursuant to the LPCs. Sales to GM were approximately 80% of our total net sales in the first quarter of 2004, 82% of our total net sales in 2003, 86% in 2002 and 87% in 2001. We will have to compete for future GM business, upon the termination of the LPCs. There can be no assurance that we will remain competitive with respect to technology, design and quality to GM’s reasonable satisfaction. Pricing negotiated with GM in future agreements may be more or less favorable than the LPCs and other currently applicable agreements. If we lose any significant portion of our sales to GM, or if GM significantly reduces its production of light trucks or SUVs, it would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Disputes arising from any current or future agreements between GM and us could have a material adverse impact on our relations and our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, DaimlerChrysler accounted for approximately 12% of our total net sales in the first quarter of 2004 and 9% of our total net sales in 2003 and represents a significant portion of our non-GM business. If we lose a significant portion of our sales to DaimlerChrysler, it would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Future work stoppages at GM or DaimlerChrysler could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and the conduct of our business.

Because GM accounts for approximately 80% of our total net sales in the first quarter of 2004, future work stoppages at GM could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and the conduct of our business. In the past, thereprospects may have been labor strikes against GM that have resulted in work stoppages at GM. We estimate that the work stoppage at GM during June and July of 1998 resulted in lost sales to us of approximately $188 million and lost operating income (including related start-up inefficiencies in our operations in August 1998) of approximately $71.2 million. We also estimate that work stoppages at GM resulted in lost sales to us of approximately $95 million in 1996 and $60 million in 1997. In addition, DaimlerChrysler accounted for approximately 12% of our total net sales in the first quarter of 2004 and represents a significant portion of our non-GM business that could also be adversely affected by future work stoppages.

changed since then.
Our business could be negatively impacted if we fail to maintain satisfactory labor relations.

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     Although we believe our relations with our unions are positive, there can be no assurance that future issues with our labor unions will be resolved favorably or that we will not experience a work stoppage that could adversely affect our business. We had not experienced any labor strikes from the time we commenced operations in 1994 through January 2004. However, at the expiration of our national collective bargaining agreement with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Workers of America, or the UAW, on February 25, 2004, we

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experienced
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR TERM SHEET
     This prospectus provides you with a temporary work stoppagegeneral description of the debt securities, warrants to purchase debt securities, common stock warrants, warrant shares, common stock and preferred stock we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement or term sheet that lasted less than two days at sixwill contain specific information about the terms of our North American manufacturing facilities. On March 8, 2004,that offering and whether securities are being offered by us, a new national collective bargaining agreementselling security holder or both. The prospectus supplement or term sheet may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus, and accordingly, to the extent inconsistent, information in this prospectus is superseded by the information in the prospectus supplement or term sheet. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement or term sheet together with the UAW was ratifiedadditional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
     The prospectus supplement or term sheet to be attached to the front of this prospectus will describe: the terms of the securities offered, any initial public offering price, the price paid to us for the securities, the net proceeds to us, the manner of distribution and will expire February 25, 2008. On May 4, 2004, we reached a tentative agreement withany underwriting compensation and the International Association of Machinists on a new collective bargaining agreementother specific material terms related to expire May 4, 2008. Associates at our MSP Industries Corporation, or MSP, subsidiary and our Colfor Manufacturing Inc., or Colfor, subsidiary are also represented by the UAW under collective bargaining agreements that expire in 2005. We are currently negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the unions representing associates at our Albion Automotive (Holdings) Limited, or Albion, subsidiary in the United Kingdom. The existing collective bargaining agreement remains in effect as negotiations continue. Associates at our Guanajuato, Mexico facilities and our Brazilian majority-owned facility are represented by labor unions that are subject to collective bargaining agreements that expire annually.
We and our customers may not be able to timely or successfully launch new product programs.

     Our customers are preparing to launch new product programs for which we will supply newly developed axles and other driveline components. Certainoffering of these program launches will require substantial capital investments by us.

Although we do not currently anticipate any problems completing such new product program launch activities in time for the start of production, there can be no assurance that we will be able to install and certify the equipment needed to produce products for these new product programs in time for the start of production. There can be no assurance that the transitioning of our manufacturing facilities and resources to full production under these new product programs, or any other future product programs, will not impact production rates or other operational efficiency measures at our facilities. In addition, there can be no assurance that our customers will execute the launch of these product programs, or any additional future product program for which we will supply products, on schedule.securities.

     
We face substantial competition and our competitors may have superior resources, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage.

The original equipment manufacturer supply industry is highly competitive with a number of other manufacturers that produce competitive products. Quality, delivery and price, as well as technological innovation, are the primary elements of competition. There can be no assurance that our products will compete successfully with those of our competitors. These competitors include driveline component manufacturing facilities of existing original equipment manufacturers, as well as independent domestic and international suppliers. Certain competitors areFor more diversified and have greater access to financial resources. There can be no assurance that our business will not be adversely affected by increased competition, or that we will be able to maintain our profitability if the competitive environment changes.

Our ability to operate effectively could be impaired if we lose key personnel or fail to attract and retain associates.

Our success will depend, in part,detail on the efforts of our executive officers and other key associates, including Richard E. Dauch, Co-Founder, Chairmanterms of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. In addition,securities, you should read the exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference in our future success will depend on, among other factors, our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel. We do not have “key man” life insurance on any of our associates other than Mr. Dauch. The loss of the services of key associates or the failure to attract or retain associates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Registration Statement.
We are subject to risks and costs associated with non-compliance with environmental regulations.

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     Our operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharge to waters and the generation, handling, storage, transportation treatment and disposal of waste and other materials. We believe that our operations and facilities have been and are being operated in compliance, in all material respects, with applicable environmental and health and safety laws and

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regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and criminal sanctions for violations. However, the operation of automotive parts manufacturing plants entails risks in these areas, and there can be no assurance that we will not incur material costs or liabilities. In addition, potentially significant expenditures could be required in order to comply with evolving environmental and health and safety laws, regulations or requirements that may be adopted or imposed in the future.
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for some key components and materials in our products, which makes us susceptible to supply shortages or price fluctuations that could adversely affect our business.

We have initiated a policy of strengthening our supplier relationships by concentrating our productive material purchases with a limited number of suppliers. We believe that this policy contributes to quality and cost control and increases our suppliers’ commitments to us. We rely upon, and expect to continue to rely upon, single source suppliers for certain critical components that are not readily available in sufficient volume from other sources. There can be no assurance that the suppliers of these productive materials will be able to meet our future needs on a timely basis, or be willing to continue to be suppliers to us, or that a disruption in a supplier’s business would not disrupt the supply of productive materials that could not easily be replaced.

Our international operations are exposed to various risks that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

     We have operating facilities and conduct a significant portion of our business outside of the United States, including Mexico, Brazil and the United Kingdom, and may in the future expand into additional markets. Our international operations expose us to risks from changes in the political, economic and financial environments in other countries, including fluctuations in exchange rates, political instability (including hostilities) in the major markets where we procure materials, components, and supplies for the production of our principal products or where our products are produced, distributed or sold, changes in foreign laws and regulations and in trade policies, import and export restrictions and tariffs, taxes and exchange controls. Any one of these factors could have an adverse effect on our continuity of business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, our consolidated financial results are denominated in U.S. dollars and require translation adjustments for purposes of reporting results from, and the financial condition of, our non-U.S. operations. Such adjustments may be significant from time to time.

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGESFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The following table sets forth our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges on a historical basis for the periods indicated. For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent income before taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, one-third of rental expense, which we believe to be representative of the interest portion of rent expense, and capitalized interest.

                         
Quarter
Ended
March 31,Years Ended December 31,


200420032002200120001999






Ratio of earnings to fixed charges  5.14   5.52   4.54   2.86   3.07   3.13 

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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

     Some of the     Certain statements contained in this prospectus, or any accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated herein or therein by reference are forward-looking in this prospectus are “forward-looking statements”nature and relate to trends and events that may affect our future financial position and operating results.

Such statements are made pursuant to“forward-looking” statements within the safe harbor provisionsmeaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.1995 and relate to trends and events that may affect our future financial position and operating results. The terms such as “will,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “project”“project,” and similar words orof expressions, as well as statements in future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The
     Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations,information available at the time those statements are inherently uncertain,made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and should be viewed with caution. Actual results and experience may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements as a result of manystatements. Important factors including,that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:

 adverse changes inour ability to comply with the economicdefinitive terms and conditions or political stability of our principal markets (particularly North America, Europevarious commercial and South America)financing arrangements with General Motors Company (“GM”);
 
 global economic conditions;
availability of financing for working capital, capital expenditures, R&D or other general corporate purposes, including our ability to comply with financial covenants;
our customers’ and suppliers’ availability of financing for working capital, capital expenditures, R&D or other general corporate purposes;
reduced purchases of our products by GM, Chrysler LLC (“Chrysler”) or other customers;
 reduced demand for our customers’ products (particularly light trucks and SUVs produced by GM and DaimlerChrysler)Chrysler);
 
 reduced purchasesthe impact on us and our customers of requirements imposed on, or actions taken by, our products by GM, DaimlerChryslercustomers in response to the U.S. government’s ownership interest, the Troubled Asset Relief Program or other customers;similar programs;
 
  our ability and our customers’ ability to successfully launch new product programs;achieve cost reductions through ongoing restructuring actions;
 
 our ability to respond to changes in technology or increased competition;additional restructuring actions that may occur;
 
 supply shortages or price fluctuations in raw materials, utilities or other operating supplies;our ability to achieve the level of cost reductions required to sustain global cost competitiveness;
 
  our ability to attractmaintain satisfactory labor relations and retain key associates;avoid future work stoppages;
 
  our suppliers’, our customers’ and their suppliers’ ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and avoid work stoppages;
• our customers’ ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and avoid work stoppages;
 
 risks of noncompliance with environmental regulations; or risks of environmental issues that could resultour ability to implement improvements in unforeseen costs at our facilities;U.S. labor cost structure;
 
 liabilities arising from legal proceedings to which we aresupply shortages or may become a partyprice increases in raw materials, utilities or claims against us or our products;other operating supplies;
 
 availability of financing for working capital, capital expenditures, researchour ability and development or other general corporate purposes;our customers’ and suppliers’ ability to successfully launch new product programs on a timely basis;
 
 our ability to realize the expected revenues from our new and incremental business backlog;
our ability to attract new customers and programs for new products;
our ability to develop and produce new products that reflect market demand;
lower-than-anticipated market acceptance of new or existing products;
our ability to respond to changes in technology, increased competition or pricing pressures;
continued or increased high prices for or reduced availability of fuel;
 adverse changes in laws, government regulations or market conditions affecting our products or our customers’ products (including(such as the Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations); and
 
 adverse changes in the political stability of our principal markets (particularly North America, Europe, South America and Asia);
liabilities arising from warranty claims, product liability and legal proceedings to which we are or may become a party;
changes in liabilities arising from pension and other postretirement benefit obligations;
risks of noncompliance with environmental regulations or risks of environmental issues that could result in unforeseen costs at our facilities;
our ability to attract and retain key associates;
 other unanticipated events and conditions that may hinder our ability to compete.

     It is not possible to foresee or identify all such factors and we make no commitment to update any forward-looking statement or to disclose any facts, events or circumstances after the date hereof that may affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statement.

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USEDESCRIPTION OF PROCEEDSDEBT SECURITIES

     We may issue debt securities in one or more distinct series. This section summarizes the material terms of the debt securities that are common to all series. Most of the financial terms and other specific material terms of any series of debt securities that we offer will be described in a prospectus supplement or term sheet to be attached to the front of this prospectus. Furthermore, since the terms of specific debt securities may differ from the general information we have provided below, you should rely on information in the prospectus supplement or term sheet that contradicts different information below.
     As required by federal law for all bonds and debt securities of companies that are publicly offered, the debt securities are governed by a document called an “indenture.” An indenture is a contract between us and a financial institution acting as trustee on your behalf. Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, the trustee will be The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. The trustee has two main roles. First, the trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the trustee acts on your behalf, described in the second paragraph under “Events of Default.” Second, the trustee performs certain administrative duties for us.
     The term “trustee” refers to the senior trustee or the subordinated trustee, as appropriate. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale by any selling securityholder of their notes or the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes.

PRICE RANGE OF THE COMMON STOCK

Our common stock has been trading publicly on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AXL” since January 29, 1999. The table below set forth the range of quarterly high and low closing sales prices for our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange during the calendar quarters indicated.

          
HighLow


2002        
 First Quarter $30.05  $20.26 
 Second Quarter  36.19   25.95 
 Third Quarter  31.00   21.00 
 Fourth Quarter  24.86   20.45 
2003        
 First Quarter $25.79  $19.50 
 Second Quarter  25.65   21.24 
 Third Quarter  33.17   24.05 
 Fourth Quarter  40.53   30.47 
2004        
 First Quarter $41.98  $34.10 
 Second Quarter  39.86   33.30 

On July 6, 2004, the closing sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $34.46 per share. As of June 30, 2004, there were approximately 472 stockholders of record of our common stock.

DIVIDEND POLICY

     No dividend was paid in the first quarter of 2004. On June 28, 2004, we paid a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per sharerefer to stockholders of record as of June 7, 2004.

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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

     We issued $150,000,000 aggregate original principal amount of notes in a private placement on February 11, 2004. The notes were issued under the indenture dated as of February 11, 2004, between American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., or Holdings, as issuer, American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., or AAM Inc., as guarantor, and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as trustee. The notes constitute seniorthat governs the debt securities underas the indenture. As used in this description“indenture.” The indenture is subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of notes, the words “our company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “American Axle” refer only to American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. and do not include any of our current or future subsidiaries. We have summarized the material provisions of the notes below.1939, as amended (the “TIA”).

     The following description issummary does not purport to be complete, and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the debt securities and the indenture. We urge you to read the indenture and the notes,form of the debt securities, which you may obtain from us upon request. As used in this description, all references to “AAM Inc.,” “our company,” the “issuer,” “we,” “us” or “our” mean American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., excluding, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries, and all references to “Holdings” mean American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., our parent corporation, excluding, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries. Holdings has no material operations or assets other than its ownership of 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., the issuer.
General
     The debt securities will be AAM Inc.’s obligations which may be secured or unsecured. The senior unsecured securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and will be guaranteed by Holdings. The Holdings guarantee will rank equally with all of its other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Terms of secured debt securities and the related Holdings guarantee will be more fully described in a prospectus supplement. The subordinated securities will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of AAM Inc.’s Senior Indebtedness as more fully described in a prospectus supplement or term sheet. The subordinated debt securities will be guaranteed on a subordinated basis by Holdings, as more fully described in a prospectus supplement or term sheet.
     The indenture provides that any debt securities proposed to be sold under this prospectus and the attached prospectus supplement or term sheet, which may be in the form of Exhibit A hereto, including the guarantee by Holdings (“offered debt securities”) and any debt securities issuable upon the exercise of debt warrants or upon conversion or exchange of other offered securities (“underlying debt securities”), as well as other unsecured debt securities, may be issued under that indenture in one or more series.
     You should read the prospectus supplement or term sheet for the material terms of the offered debt securities and any underlying debt securities, including the following:
The title of the debt securities and whether the debt securities will be senior securities or subordinated securities.
The total principal amount of the debt securities and any limit on the total principal amount of debt securities of the series.
If not the principal amount of the debt securities, the portion of the principal amount payable upon acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities or how this portion will be determined.
The date or dates, or how the date or dates will be determined or extended, when the principal of the debt securities will be payable.

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The interest rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, that the debt securities will bear, if any, or how the rate or rates will be determined, the date or dates from which any interest will accrue or how the date or dates will be determined, the interest payment dates, any record dates for these payments and the basis upon which interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Any optional redemption provisions.
Whether debt securities are secured and the terms of such security interests.
Any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to repurchase or otherwise redeem the debt securities.
The form in which we will issue the debt securities; whether we will have the option of issuing debt securities in “certificated” form; whether we will have the option of issuing certificated debt securities in bearer form if we issue the securities outside the United States to non-U.S. persons; any restrictions on the offer, sale or delivery of bearer securities and the terms, if any, upon which bearer securities of the series may be exchanged for registered securities of the series andvice versa(if permitted by applicable laws and regulations).
If other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currencies in which the debt securities are denominated and/or payable.
Whether the amount of payments of principal, premium or interest, if any, on the debt securities will be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which could be based on one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices) and how these amounts will be determined.
The place or places, if any, other than or in addition to The City of New York, of payment, transfer, conversion and/or exchange of the debt securities.
If other than denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple in the case of registered securities issued in certificated form and $5,000 in the case of bearer securities, the denominations in which the offered debt securities will be issued.
The applicability of the provisions of Article Fourteen of the indenture described under “defeasance” and any provisions in modification of, in addition to or in lieu of any of these provisions.
Whether and under what circumstances we will pay additional amounts, as contemplated by Section 1011 of the indenture, in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt securities rather than pay the additional amounts (and the terms of this option).
Whether the securities are subordinated and the terms of such subordination.
Any provisions granting special rights to the holders of the debt securities upon the occurrence of specified events.
Any changes or additions to the Events of Default or covenants contained in the indenture.
Whether the debt securities will be convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities and the applicable terms and conditions.
Any other material terms of the debt securities and guarantees.
     For purposes of this prospectus, any reference to the payment of principal or premium or interest, if any, on the debt securities will include additional amounts if required by the terms of the debt securities.
     The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder from time to time. Debt securities issued under an indenture, when a single trustee is acting for all debt securities issued under the indenture, are called the “indenture securities.” The indenture also provides that there may be more than one trustee thereunder, each with respect to one or more different series of indenture securities. See “Resignation of Trustee” below. At a time when two or more trustees are acting under the indenture, each with respect to only certain series, the term “indenture securities” means the one or more series of debt securities with respect to which each respective

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trustee is acting. In the event that there is more than one trustee under the indenture, the powers and trust obligations of each trustee described in this prospectus will extend only to the one or more series of indenture securities for which it is trustee. If two or more trustees are acting under the indenture, then the indenture securities for which each trustee is acting would be treated as if issued under separate indentures.
     The indenture does not contain any provisions that give you protection in the event we issue a large amount of debt or we are acquired by another entity.
     We refer you to the prospectus supplement or term sheet for information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or our covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.
     We have the ability to issue indenture securities with terms different from those of indenture securities previously issued and, without the consent of the holders thereof, to reopen a previous issue of a series of indenture securities and issue additional indenture securities of that series unless the reopening was restricted when that series was created.
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet, the debt securities will be denominated in U.S. dollars and all payments on the debt securities will be made in U.S. dollars.
     Payment of the purchase price of the debt securities must be made in immediately available funds.
     As used in this prospectus, “Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in The City of New York; provided, however, that, with respect to foreign currency Notes, the day is also not a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in the Principal Financial Center (as defined below) of the country issuing the specified currency (or, if the specified currency is the euro, the day is also a day on which the Trans-European Automated Real Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET) System is operating, which we refer to as a “TARGET Business Day”); and provided further that, with respect to Notes as to which LIBOR is an applicable interest rate basis, the day is also a London Business Day.
     “London Business Day” means a day on which commercial banks are open for business (including dealings in the designated LIBOR Currency) in London.
     “Principal Financial Center” means (i) the capital city of the country issuing the specified currency or (ii) the capital city of the country to which the designated LIBOR Currency relates, as applicable, except that the term “Principal Financial Center” means the following cities in the case of the following currencies:
CurrencyPrincipal Financial Center
U.S. dollars
Australian dollars
Canadian dollars
New Zealand dollars
South African rand
Swiss francs
The City of New York
Sydney
Toronto
Auckland
Johannesburg
Zurich
and in the event the LIBOR Currency is the euro, the “Principal Financial Center” is London.
     The authorized denominations of debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars will be integral multiples of $1,000. The authorized denominations of foreign currency Notes will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet.
Optional Redemption, Repayment and Repurchase
     If specified in a prospectus supplement or term sheet, we may redeem the debt securities at our option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the debt securities to be redeemed and (2) as determined by the Quotation Agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the debt securities to be redeemed (not including any portion of those payments of interest accrued to the date of redemption) from the redemption date to the maturity date of the debt securities being redeemed, in each case discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate plus the

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rate specified in a prospectus supplement or term sheet, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the debt securities to the date of redemption.
     “Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any date of redemption, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for that date of redemption.
     “Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the debt securities.
     “Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any date of redemption, (1) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for the date of redemption, after excluding the highest and lowest Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations or (2) if the Quotation Agent obtains fewer than four Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations.
     “Quotation Agent” means the underwriter, or another Reference Treasury Dealer appointed by us.
     “Reference Treasury Dealer” will be specified in the prospectus supplement or term sheet.
     “Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any date of redemption, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Quotation Agent by that Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding that date of redemption.
     We will mail notice of any redemption at least 30 days, but not more than 60 days, before the date of redemption to each holder of the debt securities to be redeemed. If less than all of the debt securities are to be redeemed at any time, the trustee will select debt securities to be redeemed on a pro rata basis or by any other method the trustee deems fair and appropriate. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the date of redemption, interest will cease to accrue on the debt securities or portions thereof called for redemption.
     Regardless of anything in this prospectus to the contrary, if a debt security is an OID Note (other than an Indexed Note), the amount payable in the event of redemption or repayment prior to its stated maturity will be the amortized face amount on the redemption or repayment date, as the case may be. The amortized face amount of an OID Note will be equal to (i) the issue price specified in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet plus (ii) that portion of the difference between the issue price and the principal amount of the Note that has accrued at the yield to maturity described in the prospectus supplement or term sheet (computed in accordance with generally accepted U.S. bond yield computation principles) by the redemption or repayment date. However, in no case will the amortized face amount of an OID Note exceed its principal amount.
     We may at any time purchase debt securities at any price in the open market or otherwise. We may hold, resell or surrender for cancellation any debt securities that we purchase.

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Conversion and Exchange
     If any debt securities are convertible into or exchangeable for other securities, the prospectus supplement or term sheet will explain the terms and conditions of the conversion or exchange, including the conversion price or exchange ratio (or the calculation method), the conversion or exchange period (or how the period will be determined), if conversion or exchange will be mandatory or at the option of the holder or us, provisions for adjusting the conversion price or the exchange ratio and provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of the redemption of the underlying debt securities. These terms may also include provisions under which the number or amount of other securities to be received by the holders of the debt securities upon conversion or exchange would be calculated according to the market price of the other securities as of a time stated in the prospectus supplement or term sheet.

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Issuance of Securities in Registered Form
     We may issue the debt securities in registered form, in which case we will issue them in book-entry form only. Debt securities issued in book-entry form will be represented by global securities. We also will have the option of issuing debt securities in non-registered form as bearer securities if we issue the securities outside the United States to non-U.S. persons. In that case, the prospectus supplement or term sheet will set forth the mechanics for holding the bearer securities, including the procedures for receiving payments, for exchanging the bearer securities for registered securities of the same series, and for receiving notices. The prospectus supplement or term sheet will also describe the requirements with respect to our maintenance of offices or agencies outside the United States and the applicable U.S. federal tax law requirements.
Book-Entry Holders.We will issue registered debt securities in book-entry form only, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet. This means debt securities will be represented by one or more global securities registered in the name of a depositary that will hold them on behalf of financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system. These participating institutions, in turn, hold beneficial interests in the debt securities held by the depositary or its nominee. These institutions may hold these interests on behalf of themselves or customers.
     Under the indenture, only the person in whose name a debt security is registered is recognized as the holder of that debt security. Consequently, for debt securities issued in book-entry form, we will recognize only the depositary as the holder of the debt securities and we will make all payments on the debt securities to the depositary. The depositary will then pass along the payments it receives to its participants, which, in turn, will pass the payments along to their customers who are the beneficial owners. The depositary and its participants do so under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers; they are not obligated to do so under the terms of the debt securities.
     As a result, investors will not own debt securities directly. Instead, they will own beneficial interests in a global security, through a bank, broker or other financial institution that participates in the depositary’s book-entry

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system or holds an interest through a participant. As long as the debt securities are represented by one or more global securities, investors will be indirect holders, and not holders of the debt securities.
Street Name Holders.In the future, we may issue debt securities in certificated form or terminate a global security. In these cases, investors may choose to hold their debt securities in their own names or in “street name.” Debt securities held in street name are registered in the name of a bank, broker or other financial institution chosen by the investor, and the investor would hold a beneficial interest in those debt securities through the account he or she maintains at that institution.
     For debt securities held in street name, we will recognize only the intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions in whose names the debt securities are registered as the holders of those debt securities and we will make all payments on those debt securities to them. These institutions will pass along the payments they receive to their customers who are the beneficial owners, but only because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to do so. Investors who hold debt securities in street name will be indirect holders, and not holders, of the debt securities.
Legal Holders.Our obligations, as well as the obligations of the applicable trustee and those of any third parties employed by us or the applicable trustee, run only to the legal holders of the debt securities. We do not have obligations to investors who hold beneficial interests in global securities, in street name or by any other indirect means. This will be the case whether an investor chooses to be an indirect holder of a debt security or has no choice because we are issuing the debt securities only in book-entry form.
     For example, once we make a payment or give a notice to the holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment or notice even if that holder is required, under agreements with depositary participants or customers or by law, to pass it along to the indirect holders but does not do so. Similarly, if we want to obtain the approval of the holders for any purpose (for example, to amend an indenture or to relieve us of the consequences of a default or of our obligation to comply with a particular provision of an indenture), we would seek the approval only from the holders, and not the indirect holders, of the debt securities. Whether and how the holders contact the indirect holders is up to the holders.
     When we refer to you, we mean those who invest in the debt securities being offered by this prospectus, the prospectus supplement or term sheet whether they are the holders or only indirect holders of those debt securities. When we refer to your debt securities, we mean the debt securities in which you hold a direct or indirect interest.
Special Considerations for Indirect Holders.If you hold debt securities through a bank, broker or other financial institution, either in book-entry form or in street name, we urge you to read because they definecheck with that institution to find out:
how it handles securities payments and notices,
whether it imposes fees or charges,
how it would handle a request for the holders’ consent, if ever required,
whether and how you can instruct it to send you debt securities registered in your own name so you can be a holder, if that is permitted in the future for a particular series of debt securities,
how it would exercise rights under the debt securities if there were a default or other event triggering the need for holders to act to protect their interests, and
if the debt securities are in book-entry form, how the depositary’s rules and procedures will affect these matters.
Interest and Interest Rates
General
     Each debt security will begin to accrue interest from the date it is originally issued. The related prospectus supplement or term sheet will specify each debt security as a note holder.Fixed Rate Note, a Floating Rate Note, an Amortizing Note or an Indexed Note and describe the method of determining the interest rate, including any Spread and/or Spread Multiplier. For an Indexed Note, the related prospectus supplement or term sheet also will describe the

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method for the calculation and payment of principal and interest. The prospectus supplement or term sheet for a Floating Rate Note or Indexed Note may also specify a maximum and a minimum interest rate.
     A copy ofdebt security may be issued as a Fixed Rate Note or a Floating Rate Note or as a Note that combines fixed and floating rate terms.
     Interest rates offered with respect to debt securities may differ depending upon, among other things, the indenture, including a form of the notes, is available upon request to us.

General

     The notes are limited to $150,000,000 aggregate original principal amount. The notes will mature on February 15, 2024. The original principal amount of each note,debt securities purchased in any single transaction. Debt securities with similar variable terms but different interest rates, as well as debt securities with different variable terms, may be offered concurrently to different investors. Interest rates or formulas and other terms of debt securities are subject to change from time to time, but no such change will affect any Note already issued or as to which an offer to purchase has been accepted.

     Interest on the issue price, was $1,000. The notesdebt securities denominated in U.S. dollars will be payablepaid by check mailed on an Interest Payment Date other than a Maturity Date (as defined below) to the persons entitled thereto to the addresses of such holders as they appear in the security register or, at our option, by wire transfer to a bank account maintained by the holder. The principal of, premium, if any, and interest on debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars, together with interest accrued and unpaid thereon, due on the Maturity Date will be paid in immediately available funds upon surrender of such debt securities at the corporate trust office of the paying agent, which initially will beTrustee in The City of New York, or, at our option, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an office or agency ofaccount with a bank designated at least 15 calendar days prior to the trustee, or anMaturity Date by the applicable registered holder, provided the particular bank has appropriate facilities to receive these payments and the particular Note is presented and surrendered at the office or agency maintained by us for suchthis purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York.

York, in time for the Trustee to make these payments in accordance with its normal procedures.

Fixed Rate Notes
     The notes bear cashprospectus supplement or term sheet for Fixed Rate Notes will describe a fixed interest at the rate of 2% per year on the original principal amount from the issue date, or from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or provided for, until February 15, 2011. During such period, cash interest will be payable semiannually in arrears on February 15the dates specified in such term sheet or prospectus supplement (each, with respect to Fixed Rate Notes, an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on Fixed Rate Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. If the stated maturity date, any redemption date or any repayment date (together referred to as the “Maturity Date”) or an Interest Payment Date for any Fixed Rate Note is not a Business Day, principal of, premium, if any, and August 15interest on that Note will be paid on the next Business Day, and no interest will accrue from and after the Maturity Date or Interest Payment Date. Interest on Fixed Rate Notes will be paid to holders of record as of each Regular Record Date. A “Regular Record Date” will be the fifteenth day (whether or not a Business Day) next preceding the applicable Interest Payment Date.
     Each interest payment on a Fixed Rate Note will include interest accrued from, and including, the issue date or the last Interest Payment Date, as the case may be, to but excluding the applicable Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be.
Original Issue Discount Notes
     We may issue original issue discount debt securities (including zero coupon debt securities) (“OID Notes”), which are debt securities issued at a discount from the principal amount payable on the Maturity Date. There may not be any periodic interest payments on OID Notes. For OID Notes, interest normally accrues during the life of the Note and is paid on the Maturity Date. Upon a redemption, repayment or acceleration of the maturity of an OID Note, the amount payable will be determined as set forth under “—Optional Redemption, Repayment and Repurchase.” This amount normally is less than the amount payable on the stated maturity date.
Amortizing Notes
     We may issue amortizing debt securities, which are Fixed Rate Notes for which combined principal and interest payments are made in installments over the life of each debt securities (“Amortizing Notes”). Payments on Amortizing Notes are applied first to interest due and then to the reduction of the unpaid principal amount. The related prospectus supplement or term sheet for an Amortizing Note will include a table setting forth repayment information.
Floating Rate Notes
     Each Floating Rate Note will have an interest rate basis or formula. That basis or formula may be based on:

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the CD Rate;
the Commercial Paper Rate;
LIBOR;
EURIBOR;
the Federal Funds Rate;
the Prime Rate;
the Treasury Rate;
the CMT Rate;
the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate; or
another negotiated interest rate basis or formula.
     The prospectus supplement or term sheet will also indicate any Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, which would be applied to the interest rate formula to determine the interest rate. Any Floating Rate Note may have a maximum or minimum interest rate limitation. In addition to any maximum interest rate limitation, the interest rate on the Floating Rate Notes will in no event be higher than the maximum rate permitted by New York law, as the same may be modified by United States law for general application.
     We will appoint a calculation agent to calculate interest rates on the Floating Rate Notes. Unless we identify a different party in the prospectus supplement or term sheet, the paying agent will be the calculation agent for each Note.
     Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement or term sheet, the “Calculation Date,” if applicable, relating to an Interest Determination Date will be the earlier of (i) the tenth calendar day after such Interest Determination Date or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day, or (ii) the Business Day immediately preceding the relevant Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be.
     Upon the request of the beneficial holder of any Floating Rate Note, the calculation agent will provide the interest rate then in effect and, if different, when available, the interest rate that will become effective on the next Interest Reset Date for the Floating Rate Note.
Change of Interest Rate.The interest rate on each Floating Rate Note may be reset daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semiannually, annually or on some other specified basis (each, an “Interest Reset Date”). The Interest Reset Date will be:
for Notes with interest that resets daily, each Business Day;
for Notes (other than Treasury Rate Notes) with interest that resets weekly, Wednesday of each week;
for Treasury Rate Notes with interest that resets weekly, Tuesday of each week;
for Notes with interest that resets monthly, the third Wednesday of each month;
for Notes with interest that resets quarterly, the third Wednesday of March, June, September and December of each year;
for Notes with interest that resets semiannually, the third Wednesday of each of the two months of each year indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet; and
for Notes with interest that resets annually, the third Wednesday of the month of each year indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet.
     The related prospectus supplement or term sheet will describe the initial interest rate or interest rate formula on each Note. That rate is effective until the following Interest Reset Date. Thereafter, the interest rate will be the rate determined on each Interest Determination Date. Each time a new interest rate is determined, it becomes effective on the following Interest Reset Date. If any Interest Reset Date is not a Business Day, then the Interest Reset Date is postponed to the next Business Day, except, in the case of LIBOR and EURIBOR Notes, if the next Business Day is in the next calendar month, the Interest Reset Date is the immediately preceding Business Day.

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Date Interest Rate Is Determined.The Interest Determination Date for all CD and CMT Rate Notes is the second Business Day before the Interest Reset Date and for all LIBOR Notes will be the second London Business Day immediately preceding the applicable Interest Reset Date (unless the LIBOR Currency is Sterling, in which case the Interest Determination Date will be the Interest Reset Date).
     The Interest Determination Date for Treasury Rate Notes will be the day of the week in which the Interest Reset Date falls on which Treasury bills of the Index Maturity are normally auctioned. Treasury bills are usually sold at auction on Monday of each week, unless that day is a legal holiday, in which case the auction is usually held on Tuesday. Sometimes, the auction is held on the preceding Friday. If an auction is held on the preceding Friday, that day will be the Interest Determination Date relating to the Interest Reset Date occurring in the next week.
     The Interest Determination Date for all Commercial Paper, Federal Funds and Prime Rate Notes will be the first Business Day preceding the Interest Reset Date.
     The Interest Determination Date for EURIBOR Notes will be the second TARGET Business Day immediately preceding the applicable Interest Reset Date.
     The Interest Determination Date for an Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Note is the last Business Day of the month immediately preceding the applicable Interest Reset Date in which the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco published the applicable rate.
     The Interest Determination Date relating to a Floating Rate Note with an interest rate that is determined by reference to two or more interest rate bases will be the most recent Business Day which is at least two Business Days before the applicable Interest Reset Date for each interest rate for the applicable Floating Rate Note on which each interest rate basis is determinable.
Payment of Interest.Interest is paid as follows:
for Notes with interest that resets daily, weekly or monthly, on the third Wednesday of each month;
for Notes with interest payable quarterly, on the third Wednesday of March, June, September, and December of each year;
for Notes with interest payable semiannually, on the third Wednesday of each of the two months specified in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet;
for Notes with interest payable annually, on the third Wednesday of the month specified in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet (each of the above, with respect to Floating Rate Notes, an “Interest Payment Date”); and
at maturity, redemption or repayment.
     Each interest payment on a Floating Rate Note will include interest accrued from, and including, the issue date or the last Interest Payment Date, as the case may be, to but excluding the applicable Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be.
     Interest on a Floating Rate Note will be payable beginning on August 15, 2004,the first Interest Payment Date after its issue date to holders of record at the close of business on each Regular Record Date, which is the fifteenth day (whether or not a Business Day) next preceding the applicable Interest Payment Date, unless the issue date falls after a Regular Record Date and on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date, in which case payment will be made to holders of record at the close of business on the January 31 or July 31 immediatelyRegular Record Date next preceding such interest paymentthe second Interest Payment Date following the issue date. Each payment of cash interest onIf an Interest Payment Date (but not the notes will include interest accrued for the period commencing on and including the immediately proceeding interest payment date (or, if none, February 11, 2004) through the day before the applicable interest payment date (or purchase or redemption date, as the case may be). Any payment required to be made on any day thatMaturity Date) is not a business dayBusiness Day, then the Interest Payment Date will be made onpostponed to the next succeeding business day.Business Day, except in the case of LIBOR and EURIBOR Notes, if the next Business Day is in the next calendar month, the Interest Payment Date will be calculated using a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months.

     Beginning February 15, 2011, the original principal amount of each note will commence increasing byimmediately preceding Business Day. If the rate of 2% per year to produce the accreted principal amount. The calculation of the accretion of principal will be on a semiannual bond equivalent basis, using a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months. On the maturity date of the notes, a holder will receive $1,295.26 for each $1,000 original principal amount of notes, which is the fully accreted principal amount of a note on such date.

     We believe, based on the advice of our tax counsel, that the notes will be treated as indebtedness for U.S. federal income tax purposes and will be subject to U.S. Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments. Under the indenture, we will agree, and by purchasing or holding the notes or a beneficial interest in the notes each holder and beneficial owner of the notes will be deemed to have agreed, among other things, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat the notes as debt instruments that are subject to treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments and, for purposes of those regulations, to treat the fair market valueMaturity Date of any shares of our common stock received upon any conversion of the notes asFloating Rate Note is not a contingent payment, and the discussion herein assumes that such treatment is correct. Under the contingent payment debt regulations, beneficial owners of notes will be required to accrue interest on the notes on a constant yield to maturity basis at a rate comparable to the rate at which we would borrow in a noncontingent, nonconvertible, fixed rate borrowing (subject to certain adjustments). We have determined this rate to be 4.58%, compounded semi-annually. It is likely that beneficial owners of notes will recognize taxable income in each year under these regulations significantly in excess of interest payments (including contingent interest payments) actually received during that year. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

     Principal and cash interest, as the case may be, will cease to accrete or accrue, respectively, on a note upon its maturity, conversion, purchase by us at the option of a holder or redemption. We may not reissue a note that

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has matured or been converted, has been purchased by us at your option, redeemed or otherwise cancelled, except for registration of transfer, exchange or replacement of such note.

     Notes may be presented for conversion at the office of the conversion agent and for exchange or registration of transfer at the office of the registrar. The conversion agent and the registrar shall initially be the trustee. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of notes. However, we may require the holder to pay any tax, assessment or other governmental charge payable as a result of such transfer or exchange.

Guarantee

     AAM Inc. is guaranteeing our monetary obligations under the notes on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis. The notes will not be guaranteed by any other subsidiaries. AAM Inc. will irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis the performance and punctual payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all obligations of the issuer under the indenture and the notes, whether for payment ofBusiness Day, principal of, premium, if any, orand interest or liquidated damageson that Note will be paid on the notes, expenses, indemnificationnext Business Day, and no interest will accrue from and after the Maturity Date.

     Accrued interest on a Floating Rate Note is calculated by multiplying the principal amount of a Note by an accrued interest factor. The accrued interest factor is the sum of the interest factors calculated for each day in the period for which accrued interest is being calculated. The interest factor for each day is computed by dividing the interest rate in effect on that day by (1) the actual number of days in the year, in the case of Treasury Rate Notes or otherwise. Such guaranteeCMT Rate Notes, or (2) 360, in the case of other Floating Rate Notes. The interest factor for Floating Rate Notes for which the interest rate is calculated with reference to two or more interest rate bases will be limitedcalculated in amount to an amount not to exceedeach period in the maximum amount that can be guaranteed by AAM Inc. without rendering the guarantee voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.

Rankingsame manner as if only one of the Notesapplicable interest rate bases applied. All percentages resulting from

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     The notes


any calculation are our unsecured, senior obligations and will rank equal in right of payment to all of our other unsecured, senior indebtedness. The notes will effectively rank junior to our existing and future secured indebtednessrounded to the extentnearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upward. For example, 9.876545% (or .09876545) will be rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655). Dollar amounts used in the calculation are rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upward).
CD Rate Notes.The “CD Rate” for any Interest Determination Date is the rate on that date for negotiable U.S. dollar certificates of deposit having the Index Maturity described in the related prospectus supplement or term sheet, as published in H.15(519) prior to 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Calculation Date, for that Interest Determination Date under the heading “CDs (secondary market).” The “Index Maturity” is the period to maturity of the assets securing such indebtedness. In addition, we conduct substantially all of our business operations through our subsidiaries.instrument or obligation with respect to which the related interest rate basis or formula will be calculated.
     The notesfollowing procedures will effectively rank junior to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, of our subsidiaries. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating tobe followed if the Offering — The notes are our unsecured obligations. A substantial portion of our operations are conducted through our direct and indirect subsidiaries, and the claims of creditors of our subsidiaries are effectively senior to claims of holders of the notes.”

     As of March 31, 2004, Holdings had consolidated debt of $571.3 million. Of this amount:

CD Rate cannot be determined as described above:

 Holdings and AAM Inc. have an aggregateIf the above rate is not published in H.15(519) by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Calculation Date, the CD Rate will be the rate on that Interest Determination Date for negotiable United States dollar certificates of $527.8 milliondeposit of unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness outstanding;the Index Maturity described in the prospectus supplement or term sheet as published in H.15 Daily Update, or such other recognized electronic source used for the purpose of displaying such rate, under the caption “CDs (secondary market).”
 
 Holdings and AAM Inc.If that rate is not published in H.15(519), not includingH.15 Daily Update or another recognized electronic source by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Calculation Date, then the calculation agent will determine the CD Rate to be the average of the secondary market offered rates as of 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on that Interest Determination Date, quoted by three leading nonbank dealers of negotiable U.S. dollar certificates of deposit in New York City (which may include an agent or its subsidiaries, haveaffiliates) for negotiable U.S. dollar certificates of deposit of major United States money-center banks with a remaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity in an aggregate of $2.5 million of secured indebtedness outstanding; andamount that is representative for a single transaction in the market at that time described in the prospectus supplement or term sheet. The calculation agent will select the three dealers referred to above.
 
 Subsidiaries of AAM Inc. have an aggregate of $41.0 million of indebtedness and other liabilities outstanding.If fewer than three dealers are quoting as mentioned above, the CD Rate will remain the CD Rate then in effect on that Interest Determination Date.

Conversion Rights

     A holder may convert a note in integral multiples

     “H.15(519)” means the weekly statistical release designated as such, or any successor publication, published by the Board of $1,000 original principal amount into common stock only if oneGovernors of the conditionsFederal Reserve System.
     “H.15 Daily Update” means the daily update of H.15(519), available through the web site of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h15/update, or any successor site or publication.
Commercial Paper Rate Notes.The “Commercial Paper Rate” for conversionany Interest Determination Date is the Money Market Yield of the rate on that date for commercial paper having the Index Maturity described below is satisfied. In addition, a holder may convert a note only untilin the close of businessrelated prospectus supplement or term sheet, as published in H.15(519) prior to 3:00 PM., New York City time, on the second business day prior toCalculation Date for that Interest Determination Date under the redemption dateheading “Commercial Paper—Nonfinancial.”
     The following procedures will be followed if we call a note for redemption. A note for which a holder has delivered a purchase notice or a change in control purchase notice requiring us to purchase the note mayCommercial Paper Rate cannot be surrendered for conversion only if such notice is withdrawn in accordance with the indenture.

     For each $1,000 original principal amount of notes surrendered for conversion, a holder will receive 18.0421 shares of our common stock, which we refer to as the conversion rate. The conversion rate may be adjusted upon the occurrence of the events described below. A holder of a note otherwise entitled to a fractional share will receive cash equal to the applicable portion of the closing sale price of our common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the conversion date. Upon a conversion, we will have the option to deliver cash or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock for the notes surrendereddetermined as described below. The ability to surrender notes for conversion will expire at the close of business on February 14, 2024.

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     To convert a note, a holder must:

above:

 complete and manually sign a conversion notice, a form of whichIf the above rate is not published in H.15(519) by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the backCalculation Date, the Commercial Paper Rate will be the Money Market Yield of the note, and deliverrate on that Interest Determination Date for commercial paper having the conversion notice toIndex Maturity described in the conversion agent;prospectus supplement or term sheet, as published in H.15 Daily Update, or such other recognized electronic source used for the purpose of displaying such rate, under the caption “Commercial Paper—Nonfinancial.”
 
 surrenderIf that rate is not published in H.15(519), H.15 Daily Update or another recognized electronic source by 3:00 PM., New York City time, on the noteCalculation Date, then the calculation agent will determine the Commercial Paper Rate to be the conversion agent;Money Market Yield of the average of the offered rates of three leading dealers of U.S. dollar commercial paper in New York City (which may include an agent or its affiliates) as of 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on that Interest Determination Date for commercial paper having the Index Maturity described in the prospectus supplement or term sheet placed for an

16


industrial issuer whose bond rating is “Aa,” or the equivalent, from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. The calculation agent will select the three dealers referred to above.
 
 if requiredIf fewer than three dealers selected by the conversioncalculation agent furnish appropriate endorsementsare quoting as mentioned above, the Commercial Paper Rate will remain the Commercial Paper Rate then in effect on that Interest Determination Date.
     “Money Market Yield” means a yield (expressed as a percentage) calculated in accordance with the following formula:
Money Market Yield=D´ 360´100
360 – (D´ M)
where “D” refers to the applicable per annum rate for commercial paper quoted on a bank discount basis and expressed as a decimal, and “M” refers to the actual number of days in the reset period for which interest is being calculated.
LIBOR Notes.    The “LIBOR” for any Interest Determination Date is the rate for deposits in the LIBOR Currency having the Index Maturity specified in such pricing supplement or term sheet as such rate is displayed on Reuters on page LIBOR01 (or any other page as may replace such page on such service for the purpose of displaying the London interbank rates of major banks for the designated LIBOR Currency) (“Reuters Page LIBOR01”) as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date.
             The following procedure will be followed if LIBOR cannot be determined as described above:
The calculation agent shall request the principal London offices of each of four major reference banks (which may include affiliates of the agents) in the London interbank market, as selected by the calculation agent to provide the calculation agent with its offered quotation for deposits in the designated LIBOR Currency for the period of the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, commencing on the related Interest Reset Date, to prime banks in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date and transfer documents;in a principal amount that is representative for a single transaction in the designated LIBOR Currency in such market at such time. If at least two such quotations are so provided, then LIBOR on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean calculated by the calculation agent of such quotations. If fewer than two such quotations are so provided, then LIBOR on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean calculated by the calculation agent of the rates quoted at approximately 11:00 a.m., in the applicable Principal Financial Center (as described above), on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date by three major banks (which may include affiliates of the agents) in such Principal Financial Center selected by the calculation agent for loans in the designated LIBOR Currency to leading European banks, having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet and in a principal amount that is representative for a single transaction in the designated LIBOR Currency in such market at such time;provided,however, that if the banks so selected by the calculation agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, LIBOR determined as of such LIBOR Interest Determination Date shall be LIBOR in effect on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date.

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     “LIBOR Currency” means the currency specified in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet as to which LIBOR shall be calculated or, if no such currency is specified in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet, U.S. dollars.
        EURIBOR Notes.    The “EURIBOR” for any Interest Determination Date is the offered rate for deposits in euro having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, beginning on the second TARGET Business Day after such EURIBOR Interest Determination Date, as that rate appears on Reuters Page EURIBOR 01 as of 11:00 A.M., Brussels time, on such EURIBOR Interest Determination Date.
        The following procedure will be followed if EURIBOR cannot be determined as described above:
EURIBOR will be determined on the basis of the rates, at approximately 11:00 A.M., Brussels time, on such EURIBOR Interest Determination Date, at which deposits of the following kind are offered to prime banks in the euro-zone interbank market by the principal euro-zone office of each of four major banks in that market selected by the calculation agent: euro deposits having such EURIBOR Index Maturity, beginning on such EURIBOR Interest Reset Date, and in a representative amount. The calculation agent will request that the principal euro-zone office of each of these banks provide a quotation of its rate. If at least two quotations are provided, EURIBOR for such EURIBOR Interest Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of the quotations.
If fewer than two quotations are provided as described above, EURIBOR for such EURIBOR Interest Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of the rates for loans of the following kind to leading euro-zone banks quoted, at approximately 11:00 A.M., Brussels time on that Interest Determination Date, by three major banks in the euro-zone selected by the calculation agent: loans of euro having such EURIBOR Index Maturity, beginning on such EURIBOR Interest Reset Date, and in an amount that is representative of a single transaction in euro in that market at the time.
If fewer than three banks selected by the calculation agent are quoting as described above, EURIBOR for the new interest period will be EURIBOR in effect for the prior interest period. If the initial base rate has been in effect for the prior interest period, however, it will remain in effect for the new interest period.
Federal Funds Rate Notes.    The “Federal Funds Rate” will be calculated by reference to either the “Federal Funds (Effective) Rate”, the “Federal Funds Open Rate” or the “Federal Funds Target Rate”, as specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet. The Federal Funds Rate is the rate determined by the calculation agent, with respect to any Interest Determination Date relating to a Floating Rate Note for which the interest rate is determined with reference to the Federal Funds Rate (a “Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date”), in accordance with the following provisions:
If Federal Funds (Effective) Rate is the specified Federal Funds Rate in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, the Federal Funds Rate as of the applicable Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the rate with respect to such date for United States dollar federal funds as published in H.15(519) opposite the caption “Federal funds (effective),” as such rate is displayed on Reuters on page FEDFUNDS1 (or any other page as may replace such page on such service) (“Reuters Page FEDFUNDS1”) under the heading “EFFECT,” or, if such rate is not so published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the calculation date, the rate with respect to such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date for United States dollar federal funds as published in H.15 Daily Update, or such other recognized electronic source used for the purpose of displaying such rate, under the caption “Federal funds (effective).”
The following procedure will be followed if “Federal Funds (Effective) Rate” is the specified Federal Funds Rate in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet and such Federal Funds Rate cannot be determined as described above. The Federal Funds Rate with respect to such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the calculation agent and will be the arithmetic mean of the rates for the last transaction in overnight United States dollar federal funds arranged by three leading brokers of U.S. dollar federal funds transactions in New York City (which may include the agents or their affiliates) selected by the calculation agent, prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the Business Day following such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date;provided, however, that if the brokers so selected by the calculation agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Federal Funds Rate determined as of such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date will be the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date.
If Federal Funds Open Rate is the specified Federal Funds Rate in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, the Federal Funds Rate as of the applicable Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the rate on such date under the heading “Federal Funds” for the relevant Index Maturity and opposite the caption “Open” as such rate is displayed on Reuters on page 5 (or any other page as may replace such page on such service) (“Reuters Page 5”), or, if such rate does not appear on Reuters Page 5 by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the calculation date, the Federal Funds Rate for the Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date will be the rate for that day displayed on FFPREBON Index page on Bloomberg L.P. (“Bloomberg”), which is the Fed Funds Opening Rate as reported by Prebon Yamane (or a successor) on Bloomberg.
The following procedure will be followed if “Federal Funds Open Rate” is the specified Federal Funds Rate in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet and such Federal Funds Rate cannot be determined as described above. The Federal Funds Rate on such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the calculation agent and will be the arithmetic mean of the rates for the last transaction in overnight United States dollar federal funds arranged by three leading brokers of United States dollar federal funds transactions in New York City (which may include the agents or their affiliates) selected by the calculation agent prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date;provided,however, that if the brokers so selected by the calculation agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Federal Funds Rate determined as of such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date will be the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date.
If Federal Funds Target Rate is the specified Federal Funds Rate in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, the Federal Funds Rate as of the applicable Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the rate on such date as displayed on the FDTR Index page on Bloomberg. If such rate does not appear on the FDTR Index page on Bloomberg by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the calculation date, the Federal Funds Rate for such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date will be the rate for that day appearing on Reuters Page USFFTARGET= (or any other page as may replace such page on such service) (“Reuters Page USFFTARGET=”).
The following procedure will be followed if “Federal Funds Target Rate” is the specified Federal Funds Rate in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet and such Federal Funds Rate cannot be determined as described above. The Federal Funds Rate on such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the calculation agent and will be the arithmetic mean of the rates for the last transaction in overnight United States dollar federal funds arranged by three leading brokers of United States dollar federal funds transactions in New York City (which may include the agents or their affiliates) selected by the calculation agent prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date.
Prime Rate Notes.The “Prime Rate” for any Interest Determination Date is the rate on that date, as published in H.15(519) by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Calculation Date for that Interest Determination Date under the heading “Bank Prime Loan” or, if not published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related Calculation Date, the rate on such Interest Determination Date as published in H.15 Daily Update, or such other recognized electronic source used for the purpose of displaying such rate, under the caption “Bank Prime Loan.”
     The following procedures will be followed if the Prime Rate cannot be determined as described above:
If the rate is not published in H.15(519), H.15 Daily Update or another recognized electronic source by 3:00 PM., New York City time, on the Calculation Date, then the calculation agent will determine the Prime Rate to be the average of the rates of interest publicly announced by each bank that appears on the Reuters Screen designated as “US PRIME 1 Page” as that bank’s prime rate or base lending rate in effect as of 11:00 A.M., New York City time on that Interest Determination Date.
If fewer than four rates appear on the Reuters Page US PRIME 1 on the Interest Determination Date, then the Prime Rate will be the average of the prime rates or base lending rates quoted (on the basis of the actual number of days in the year divided by a 360-day year) as of the close of business on

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the Interest Determination Date by three major banks, which may include an agent or its affiliates, in the City of New York selected by the calculation agent.
 
 if required, pay all transfer or similar taxes.If the banks selected by the calculation agent are not quoting as mentioned above, the Prime Rate will remain the Prime Rate then in effect on the Interest Determination Date.

     On conversion

     “Reuters Page US PRIME 1” means the display on Reuters (or any successor service) on the “US PRIME 1 Page” (or such other page as may replace the US PRIME 1 Page on such service) for the purpose of displaying prime rates or base lending rates of major United States banks.
Treasury Rate Notes.    The “Treasury Rate” for any Interest Determination Date is the rate from the auction of direct obligations of the United States (“Treasury bills”) having the Index Maturity specified in such pricing supplement or term sheet under the caption “INVEST RATE” on the display on Reuters page USAUCTION10 (or any other page as may replace such page on such service) or page USAUCTION11 (or any other page as may replace such page on such service) or, if not so published at 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related calculation date, the bond equivalent yield (as defined below) of the rate for such treasury bills as published in H.15 Daily Update, or such other recognized electronic source used for the purpose of displaying such rate, under the caption “U.S. Government Securities/Treasury Bills/Auction High.” If such rate is not so published in the related H.15 Daily Update or another recognized source by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related calculation date, the Treasury Rate on such Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the bond equivalent yield of the auction rate of such Treasury bills as announced by the United States Department of the Treasury. In the event that such auction rate is not so announced by the United States Department of the Treasury on such calculation date, or if no such auction is held, then the Treasury Rate on such Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the bond equivalent yield of the rate on such Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date of Treasury bills having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet as published in H.15(519) under the caption “U.S. government securities/treasury bills/secondary market” or, if not yet published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related calculation date, the rate on such Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date of such treasury bills as published in H.15 Daily Update, or such other recognized electronic source used for the purpose of displaying such rate, under the caption “U.S. government securities/treasury bills (secondary market).” If such rate is not yet published in the H.15(519), H.15 Daily Update or another recognized electronic source by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related calculation date, then the Treasury Rate on such Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the calculation agent and shall be the bond equivalent yield of the arithmetic mean of the secondary market bid rates, as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on such Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date, of the three leading primary United States government securities dealers (which may include the agents or their affiliates) selected by the calculation agent, for the issue of Treasury bills with a note, a holder willremaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet;provided, however, that if the dealers so selected by the calculation agent are not receive any cash payment representing accreted principal or, exceptquoting as described below, any accrued cash interest or contingent cash interest. Instead, accreted principal, accrued cash interest or contingent cash interestmentioned in this sentence, the Treasury Rate determined as of such Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date will be deemed paid by the shares of common stock (or any cashTreasury Rate in lieu thereof) received byeffect on such Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date.
     “bond equivalent yield” means a yield calculated in accordance with the holder on conversion. Delivery to the holder of the full number of shares of common stock into which the note is convertible (or any cash in lieu thereof), together with any cash payment of such holder’s fractional shares, will thus be deemed:

following formula and expressed as a percentage:

  bond equivalent yield=D´ 360´100
360 – (D´ M)
where “D” refers to the applicable per annum rate for Treasury bills quoted on a bank discount basis and expressed as a decimal, “N” refers to the number of days in the year, either 365 or 366, as the case may be, and “M” refers to the actual number of days in the interest reset period for which interest is being calculated.

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CMT Rate Notes.    The “CMT Rate” for any Interest Determination Date is as follows:
If “Reuters Page FRBCMT” is the specified CMT Reuters Page in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, the CMT Rate on the CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be a percentage equal to satisfy our obligation to pay the original principal amount of a note;yield for United States Treasury securities at “constant maturity” having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet as set forth in H.15(519) under the caption “Treasury constant maturities,” as such yield is displayed on Reuters (or any successor service) on page FRBCMT (or any other page as may replace such page on such service) (“Reuters Page FRBCMT”) for such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date.
 
 to satisfy our obligation to pay accreted principal or accrued and unpaid cash interest attributableIf such rate does not appear on Reuters Page FRBCMT, the CMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be a percentage equal to the period fromyield for United States Treasury securities at “constant maturity” having the issue date throughIndex Maturity specified in the conversion date;applicable pricing supplement or term sheet and for such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date as set forth in H.15(519) under the caption “Treasury constant maturities.”
 
 If such rate does not appear in H.15(519), the CMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the rate for the period of the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet as may then be published by either the Federal Reserve Board or the United States Department of the Treasury that the calculation agent determines to satisfy our obligation to pay accrued contingent cash interest, if any, attributablebe comparable to the most recent accrual date.

     As a result, accreted principal, accrued cash interest and any accrued contingent cash interest are deemed paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited. Holders of notes surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any regular record date next preceding any cash interest payment date to the opening of business of such interest payment date will receive the semiannual interest payable on such notes on the corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the conversion, and such notes upon surrender must be accompanied by funds equal to the amount of such payment, unless such notes have been called for redemption, in which case no such payment will be required.

     If contingent cash interest is payable to holders of notes during any particular six-month period, and such notes are converted after the applicable accrual or record date therefor and prior to the next succeeding interest payment date, holders of such notes at the close of business on the accrual or record date will receive the contingent cash interest payable on such notes on the corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the conversion. Such notes, upon surrender for conversion, must be accompanied by funds equal to the amount of contingent cash interest payable on the principal amount of notes so converted, unless such notes have been called for redemption, in which case no such payment will be required.

     The conversion rate will not be adjusted for accreted principal, accrued cash interest or any contingent cash interest. A certificate for the number of full shares of common stock into which any note is converted, together with any cash payment for fractional shares, will be delivered through the conversion agent as soon as practicable following the conversion date. For a discussion of the tax treatment of a holder receiving shares of our common stock (or any cash in lieu thereof), upon surrendering notes for conversion, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

     In lieu of delivering shares of our common stock upon conversion of any notes (for all or any portion of the notes), we may elect to pay holders surrendering notes an amount in cash per note (or a portion of a note) equal to:

     (1) the average sale price of our common stock for the five consecutive trading days immediately following either:

• the date of our notice of our election to deliver cash, which we must give within two business days after receiving a conversion notice, unless werate that would otherwise have earlier given notice of redemption as describedbeen published in this prospectus; or

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• the conversion date, if we have given notice of redemption specifying that we intend to deliver cash upon conversion thereafter,

     in either case multiplied by

     (2) the conversion rate in effect on the conversion date.

     We will give notice to the applicable holders no later than two business days following the conversion date of our election to deliver shares of our common stock and/or cash, unless we have already informed holders of our election in connection with our optional redemption of the notes as described under “— Redemption of Notes at Our Option.” We will then deliver such common stock and/or cash to holders surrendering notes for conversion no later than the tenth business day following the applicable conversion date. At any time prior to maturity, we may at our option elect, by notice to the trustee and the noteholders, that upon conversion of the notes at any time following the date of such notice, we shall be required to deliver cash in an amount at least equal to the accreted principal amount of the notes converted. If we make this election, we will also be required to deliver cash only in connection with any principal value conversion pursuant to the trading price condition. If an event of default, as described under “— Events of Default and Acceleration” below (other than a default in a cash payment upon conversion of the notes) exists, we may not pay cash upon conversion of any notes (other than cash for fractional shares)H.15(519).

     We will adjust the conversion rate for:

     (1) dividends or distributions on our common stock payable in our common stock or other capital stock of our company;
     (2) subdivisions, combinations or certain reclassifications of our common stock;
     (3) distributions to all holders of our common stock of certain rights to purchase shares of our common stock for a period expiring within 60 days of such distribution at less than the closing sale price of our common stock at that time;
     (4) non-cash distributions to the holders of our common stock of a portion of our assets (including shares of capital stock of, or similar equity interests in, a subsidiary) or debt securities issued by us or certain rights to purchase our securities;
     (5) distributions of cash, excluding any dividend or distribution in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up; in the event of a dividend or distribution to which this clause (5) applies, the conversion rate will be adjusted by multiplying the conversion rate by a fraction,

• the numerator of which will be the “current market price” of our common stock; and
 
 If the denominatorFederal Reserve Board or the United States Department of whichthe Treasury does not publish a yield on United States Treasury securities at “constant maturity” having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet for such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date, the CMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the calculation agent and shall be a yield-to-maturity based on the arithmetic mean of the secondary market bid prices at approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date of three leading primary United States government securities dealers in New York City (which may include the agents or their affiliates) (each, a “reference dealer”) selected by the calculation agent from five such reference dealers selected by the calculation agent and eliminating the highest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the lowest) for United States Treasury securities with an original maturity equal to the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, a remaining term to maturity no more than one year shorter than such Index Maturity and in a principal amount that is representative for a single transaction in such securities in such market at such time. If fewer than three prices are provided as requested, the CMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the calculation agent and shall be a yield-to-maturity based on the arithmetic mean of the secondary market bid prices as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date of three reference dealers selected by the calculation agent from five such reference dealers selected by the calculation agent and eliminating the highest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the lowest) for United States Treasury securities with an original maturity greater than the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, a remaining term to maturity closest to such Index Maturity and in a principal amount that is representative for a single transaction in such securities in such market at such time. If two such United States Treasury securities with an original maturity greater than the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet have remaining terms to maturity equally close to such Index Maturity, the quotes for the treasury security with the shorter original term to maturity will be used. If fewer than five but more than two such prices are provided as requested, the “current market price”CMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the calculation agent and shall be based on the arithmetic mean of our common stock minus the amount per sharebid prices obtained and neither the highest nor the lowest of such dividend or distribution (asquotations shall be eliminated;provided,however, that if fewer than three such prices are provided as requested, the CMT Rate determined below); and

     (6) payments by us or oneas of our subsidiaries in respect of a tender offer or exchange offer for our common stock (which would not include repurchases of our shares under our recently announced stock repurchase program or any similar program), to the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per share of common stock exceeds the average of the closing sale price per share of our common stock for each of the 10 consecutive trading days next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer in which event the conversion rate will be adjusted by multiplying the base conversion rate by a fraction,

• the numerator of which willCMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the sum of (x) the fair market value, as determined by our board of directors, of the aggregate consideration payable for all shares of our common stock we purchaseCMT Rate in effect on such tender or exchange offer and (y) the product of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding less any such purchased shares and the average of the closing sale price per share of our common stock for each of the 10 consecutive trading days next succeeding the expiration of the tender or exchange offer; andCMT Rate Interest Determination Date.

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 the denominator of which will be the product of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding, including any such purchased shares, and the average of the closing sale price per share of our common stock for each of the 10 consecutive trading days next succeeding the expiration of the tender or exchange offer.

     “Current market price” of our common stock on any day means the average of the closing price per share of our common stock for each of the 10 consecutive trading days ending on the earlier of the day in question and the day before the “ex-date” with respect to the issuance or distribution requiring such computation. For purposes of this paragraph, “ex-date” means the first date on which the shares of our common stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such issuance or distribution.

     In the event that we elect to make a distribution to all holders of shares of our common stock pursuant to clause (3) or (4) of the paragraph above, which, in the case of clause (4), has a per share value equal to more than 15% of the closing sale price of our shares of common stock on the day preceding the declaration date for such distribution, we will be required to give notice to the holders of notes at least 20 days prior to the date for such distribution and, upon the giving of such notice, the notes may be surrendered for conversion at any time until the close of business on the business day prior to the date of distribution or until we announce that such distribution will not take place.

     If an adjustment is required to be made under clause (5), the adjustment would be based upon the full amount of the distribution. In the event that we pay a dividend or make a distribution on shares of our common stock consisting of capital stock of, or similar equity interests in, a subsidiary of ours, the conversion rate will be adjusted based on the market value of the securities so distributed relative to the market value of our common stock, in each case in a manner determined in accordance with the indenture.

     No adjustment to the conversion rate need be made if holders of the notes may participate in the transaction without conversion or in certain other cases.

     If more than one event occurs requiring that an adjustment be made to the conversion rate for a given period, certain adjustments to the conversion rate shall be determined by our board of directors to reflect the combined impact of such conversion rate adjustment events during such period. Whenever conversion rate adjustments are required under the indenture, such adjustments shall be made to the conversion rate as may be necessary and appropriate to effectuate the intent of the indenture, and to avoid unjust or inequitable results, as determined in good faith by our board of directors.

     In addition, the indenture provides that upon conversion of the notes, the holders of such notes will receive, to the extent that we elect to deliver shares of common stock upon such conversion, the rights related to such common stock pursuant to our existing and any future shareholder rights plan, whether or not such rights have separated from the common stock at the time of such conversion. However, there will not be any adjustment to the conversion privilege or conversion rate as a result of:

 • If “Reuters Page FEDCMT” is the issuance ofspecified CMT Reuters Page in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, the CMT Rate on the CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be a percentage equal to the one-week or one-month, as specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, average yield for United States Treasury securities at “constant maturity” having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet as set forth in H.15(519) opposite the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities,” as such rights;yield is displayed on Reuters on page FEDCMT (or any other page as may replace such page on such service) (“Reuters Page FEDCMT”) for the week or month, as applicable, ended immediately preceding the week or month, as applicable, in which such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date falls.
 
 If such rate does not appear on Reuters Page FEDCMT, the distribution of separate certificates representingCMT Rate on such rights;CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be a percentage equal to the one-week or one-month, as specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, average yield for United States Treasury securities at “constant maturity” having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet for the week or month, as applicable, preceding such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date as set forth in H.15(519) opposite the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities.”
 
 If such rate does not appear in H.15(519), the exerciseCMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the one-week or redemptionone-month, as specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, average yield for United States Treasury securities at “constant maturity” having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet as otherwise announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the week or month, as applicable, ended immediately preceding the week or month, as applicable, in which such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date falls.
If the Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not publish a one-week or one-month, as specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, average yield on United States Treasury securities at “constant maturity” having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet for the applicable week or month, the CMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the calculation agent and shall be a yield-to-maturity based on the arithmetic mean of the secondary market bid prices at approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date of three reference dealers selected by the calculation agent from five such reference dealers selected by the calculation agent and eliminating the highest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the lowest) for United States Treasury securities with an original maturity equal to the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, a remaining term to maturity of no more than one year shorter than such Index Maturity and in a principal amount that is representative for a single transaction in such securities in such market at such time. If fewer than five but more than two such prices are provided as requested, the CMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the rate on the CMT Rate Interest Determination Date calculated by the calculation agent based on the arithmetic mean of the bid prices obtained and neither the highest nor the lowest of such quotation shall be eliminated. If fewer than three prices are provided as requested, the CMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the calculation agent and shall be a yield-to-maturity based on the arithmetic mean of the secondary market bid prices as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date of three reference dealers selected by the calculation agent from five such reference dealers selected by the calculation agent and eliminating the highest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the lowest) for United States Treasury securities with an original maturity longer than the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet, a remaining term to maturity closest to such Index Maturity and in a principal amount that is representative for a single transaction in such securities in such market at such time. If two United States Treasury securities with an original maturity greater than the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement or term sheet have remaining terms to maturity equally close to such Index Maturity, the quotes for the Treasury security with the shorter original term to maturity will be used. If fewer than five but more than two such prices are provided as requested, the CMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the rate on the CMT Rate Interest Determination Date calculated by the calculation agent based on the arithmetic mean of the bid prices obtained and neither the highest nor lowest of such quotations shall be eliminated;provided, however, that if fewer than three such prices are provided as requested, the CMT Rate determined as of such CMT Rate Determination Date shall be the CMT Rate in effect on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date.

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Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Notes.The “Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate” for any Interest Determination Date is the rate equal to the monthly weighted average cost of funds for the calendar month preceding the Interest Determination Date as displayed on Reuters Page COFI/ARMS (or any other page as may replace that specified page on that service) as of 11:00 A.M., San Francisco time, on the Calculation Date for that Interest Determination Date under the caption “11th District.”
     The following procedures will be used if the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate cannot be determined as described above:
If the rate is not displayed on the relevant page as of 11:00 A.M., San Francisco time, on the Calculation Date, then the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate will be the monthly weighted average cost of funds paid by member institutions of the Eleventh Federal Home Loan Bank District, as announced by the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, as the cost of funds for the calendar month preceding the date of announcement.
If no announcement was made relating to the calendar month preceding the Interest Determination Date, the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate will remain the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate then in effect on the Interest Determination Date.
Indexed Notes
     We may issue debt securities for which the amount of interest or principal that you will receive will not be known on your date of purchase. Interest or principal payments for these types of debt securities, which we call “Indexed Notes,” are determined by reference to securities, financial or non-financial indices, currencies, commodities, interest rates, or a composite or baskets of any or all of the above. Examples of indexed items that may be used include a published stock index, the common stock price of a publicly traded company, the value of the U.S. dollar versus the Japanese yen, or the price of a barrel of West Texas intermediate crude oil.
     If you purchase an Indexed Note, you may receive a principal amount at maturity that is greater than or less than the Note’s face amount, and an interest rate that is greater than or less than the interest rate that you would have earned if you had instead purchased a conventional debt security issued by us at the same time with the same maturity. The amount of interest and principal that you will receive will depend on the structure of the Indexed Note and the level of the specified indexed item throughout the term of the Indexed Note and at maturity. Specific information pertaining to the method of determining the interest payments and the principal amount will be described in the prospectus supplement or term sheet, as well as additional risk factors unique to the Indexed Note, certain historical information for the specified indexed item and certain additional United States federal tax considerations.
Renewable Notes
     We may issue Renewable Notes (“Renewable Notes”) which are debt securities that will automatically renew at their stated maturity date unless the holder of a Renewable Note elects to terminate the automatic extension feature by giving notice in the manner described in the related prospectus supplement or term sheet.
     The holder of a Renewable Note must give notice of termination at least 15 but not more than 30 days prior to a Renewal Date. The holder of a Renewable Note may terminate the automatic extension for less than all of its Renewable Notes only if the terms of the Renewable Note specifically permit partial termination. An election to terminate the automatic extension of any portion of the Renewable Note is not revocable and will be binding on the holder of the Renewable Note. If the holder elects to terminate the automatic extension of the maturity of the Note, the holder will become entitled to the principal and interest accrued up to the Renewal Date. The related prospectus supplement or term sheet will identify a stated maturity date beyond which the Maturity Date cannot be renewed.

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     If a Renewable Note is represented by a Global Security, DTC or its nominee will be the holder of the Note and therefore will be the only entity that can exercise a right to terminate the automatic extension of a Note. In order to ensure that DTC or its nominee will exercise a right to terminate the automatic extension provisions of a particular Renewable Note, the beneficial owner of the Note must instruct the broker or other DTC participant through which it holds an interest in the Note to notify DTC of its desire to terminate the automatic extension of the Note. Different firms have different cut-off times for accepting instructions from their customers and, accordingly, each beneficial owner should consult the broker or other participant through which it holds an interest in a Note to ascertain the cut-off time by which an instruction must be given for delivery of timely notice to DTC or its nominee.
Extendible Notes
     We may issue Notes whose stated Maturity Date may be extended at our option (an “Extendible Note”) for one or more whole-year periods (each, an “Extension Period”), up to but not beyond a stated maturity date described in the related prospectus supplement or term sheet (but not to exceed 30 years from the date of issue).
     We may exercise our option to extend the Extendible Note by notifying the applicable Trustee (or any duly appointed paying agent) at least 45 but not more than 60 days prior to the then effective Maturity Date. If we elect to extend the Extendible Note, the Trustee (or paying agent) will mail (at least 40 days prior to the Maturity Date) to the registered holder of the Extendible Note a notice (an “Extension Notice”) informing the holder of our election, the new Maturity Date and any updated terms. Upon the mailing of the Extension Notice, the maturity of that Extendible Note will be extended automatically as set forth in the Extension Notice.
     However, we may, not later than 20 days prior to the Maturity Date of an Extendible Note (or, if that date is not a Business Day, prior to the next Business Day), at our option, establish a higher interest rate, in the case of a Fixed Rate Note, or a higher Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, in the case of a Floating Rate Note, for the Extension Period by mailing or causing the applicable Trustee (or paying agent) to mail notice of such higher interest rate or higher Spread and/or Spread Multiplier to the holder of the Note. The notice will be irrevocable.
     If we elect to extend the maturity of an Extendible Note, the holder of the Note will have the option to instead elect repayment of the Note by us on the then effective Maturity Date. In order for an Extendible Note to be so repaid on the Maturity Date, we must receive, at least 15 days but not more than 30 days prior to the Maturity Date:
     (1) the Extendible Note with the form “Option to Elect Repayment” on the reverse of the Note duly completed; or
     (2) a facsimile transmission, telex or letter from a member of a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “NASD”) or a commercial bank or trust company in the United States setting forth the name of the holder of the Extendible Note, the principal amount of the Note, the principal amount of the Note to be repaid, the certificate number or a description of the tenor and terms of the Note, a statement that the option to elect repayment is being exercised thereby and a guarantee that the Note be repaid, together with the duly completed form entitled “Option to Elect Repayment” on the reverse of the Note, will be received by the applicable Trustee (or paying agent) not later than the fifth Business Day after the date of the facsimile transmission, telex or letter; provided, however; that the facsimile transmission, telex or letter will only be effective if the Note and form duly completed are received by the applicable Trustee (or paying agent) by that fifth Business Day. The option may be exercised by the holder of an Extendible Note for less than the aggregate principal amount of the Note then outstanding if the principal amount of the Note remaining outstanding after repayment is an authorized denomination.
     If an Extendible Note is represented by a Global Security, DTC or its nominee will be the holder of that Note and therefore will be the only entity that can exercise a right to repayment. To ensure that DTC or its nominee timely exercises a right to repayment with respect to a particular Extendible Note, the beneficial owner of that Note must instruct the broker or other participant through which it holds an interest in the Note to notify DTC of its desire to exercise a right of repayment. Different firms have different cut-off times for accepting instructions from their customers and, accordingly, each beneficial owner should consult the broker or other participant through which it holds an interest in an Extendible Note to determine the cut-off time by which an instruction must be given for timely notice to be delivered to DTC or its nominee.

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Global Securities
What Is a Global Security?As noted above, we usually will issue debt securities as registered securities in book-entry form only. A global security represents one or any other number of individual debt securities. Generally, all debt securities represented by the same global securities will have the same terms.
     Each debt security issued in book-entry form will be represented by a global security that we deposit with and register in the name of a financial institution or its nominee that we select. The financial institution that we select for this purpose is called the depositary. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, will be the depositary for all debt securities issued in book-entry form.
     A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the name of anyone other than the depositary or its nominee, unless special termination situations arise. We describe those situations below under “Special Situations when a Global Security Will Be Terminated.” As a result of these arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole registered owner and holder of all debt securities represented by a global security, and investors will be permitted to own only beneficial interests in a global security. Beneficial interests must be held by means of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary or with another institution that has an account with the depositary. Thus, an investor whose security is represented by a global security will not be a holder of the debt security, but only an indirect holder of a beneficial interest in the global security.
Special Considerations for Global Securities.As an indirect holder, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. The depositary that holds the global security will be considered the holder of the debt securities represented by the global security.
     If debt securities are issued only in the form of a global security, an investor should be aware of the following:
An investor cannot cause the debt securities to be registered in his or her name, and cannot obtain certificates for his or her interest in the debt securities, except in the special situations we describe below.
An investor will be an indirect holder and must look to his or her own bank or broker for payments on the debt securities and protection of his or her legal rights relating to the debt securities, as we describe under “Issuance of Securities in accordance withRegistered Form” above.
An investor may not be able to sell interests in the debt securities to some insurance companies and other institutions that are required by law to own their securities in non-book-entry form.
An investor may not be able to pledge his or her interest in a global security in circumstances where certificates representing the debt securities must be delivered to the lender or other beneficiary of the pledge in order for the pledge to be effective.
The depositary’s policies, which may change from time to time, will govern payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to an investor’s interest in a global security. We and the trustee have no responsibility for any rights agreement;aspect of the depositary’s actions or for its records of ownership interests in a global security. We and the trustee also do not supervise the depositary in any way.
If we redeem less than all the debt securities of a particular series being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount to be redeemed from each of its participants holding that series.
An investor is required to give notice of exercise of any option to elect repayment of its debt securities, through its participant, to the applicable trustee and to deliver the related debt securities by causing its participant to transfer its interest in those debt securities, on DTC’s records, to the applicable trustee.
DTC requires that those who purchase and sell interests in a global security deposited in its book-entry system use immediately available funds. Your broker or bank may also require you to use immediately available funds when purchasing or selling interests in a global security.

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Financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system, and through which an investor holds its interest in a global security, may also have their own policies affecting payments, notices and other matters relating to the debt securities. There may be more than one financial intermediary in the chain of ownership for an investor. We do not monitor and are not responsible for the actions of any of those intermediaries.
Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Terminated.In a few special situations described below, a global security will be terminated and interests in it will be exchanged for certificates in non-book-entry form (certificated securities). After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold the certificated debt securities directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own banks or brokers to find out how to have their interests in a global security transferred on termination to their own names, so that they will be holders. We have described the rights of holders and street name investors under “Holders of Registered Debt Securities” above.
     The special situations for termination of a global security are as follows:
if the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling, unable or no longer qualified to continue as depositary for that global security, and we do not appoint another institution to act as depositary within 60 days,
if we notify the trustee that we wish to terminate that global security, or
 
 if an event of default has occurred with regard to the terminationdebt securities represented by that global security and has not been cured or invalidationwaived; we discuss defaults later under “Events of such rights.Default.”

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, if

     The prospectus supplement or term sheet may list situations for terminating a holder of notes exercising its right of conversion after the distribution of rights pursuant to our shareholder rights plan is not entitled to receive the rightsglobal security that would otherwise be attributable (but for the date of conversion)apply only to the sharesparticular series of common stock to be received upon such conversion, if any,debt securities covered by the conversion rateprospectus supplement or term sheet. If a global security is terminated, only the depositary, and not we or the applicable trustee, is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions in whose names the debt securities represented by the global security will be adjusted as thoughregistered and, therefore, who will be the rights were being distributed to holders of common stockthose debt securities.
Payment and Paying Agents
     We will pay interest to the person listed in the trustee’s records as the owner of the debt security at the close of business on a particular day in advance of each due date for interest, even if that person no longer owns the debt security on the interest due date. That day, usually about two weeks in advance of the interest due date, of conversion. If suchis called the “record date.” Because we will pay all the interest for an adjustment is made and such rights are later redeemed, invalidated or terminated, then a corresponding reversing adjustment will be madeinterest period to the conversion rateholders on the record date, holders buying and selling debt securities must work out between themselves the appropriate purchase price. The most common manner is to adjust the sales price of the debt securities to prorate interest fairly between buyer and seller based on their respective ownership periods within the particular interest period. This prorated interest amount is called “accrued interest.”
Payments on Global Securities.We will make payments on a equitable basis.

     The indenture permits us to increaseglobal security in accordance with the conversion rateapplicable policies of the depositary as in effect from time to time.

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     For U.S. federal income tax purposes, adjustments Under those policies, we will make payments directly to the conversion rate (or failuresdepositary, or its nominee, and not to make such adjustments) that have the effect of increasing the holders’ proportionateany indirect holders who own beneficial interests in our assets or earnings may in some circumstances result inthe global security. An indirect holder’s right to those payments will be governed by the rules and practices of the depositary and its participants, as described under “What Is a taxable deemed distributionGlobal Security?”.

Payments on Certificated Securities.We will make payments on a certificated debt security as follows. We will pay interest that is due on an interest payment date by check mailed on the interest payment date to the holders. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

     If we are a party to a consolidation, mergerholder at his or binding share exchange or a transfer of all or substantially all of our assets, the right to convert a note into common stock may be changed into a right to convert it into the kind and amount of securities, cash or other assets of our company or another person which the holder would have received if the holder had converted the holder’s note immediately prior to the transaction.

Upon determining that the holders are or will be entitled to convert their notes into shares of common stock in accordance with these provisions, we will promptly issue a press release and use our reasonable efforts to post such information on our website or otherwise publicly disclose this information.

Conversion Based on Common Stock Price

     Holders may surrender notes for conversion into shares of our common stock on any business day in any fiscal quarter, if, as of the last day of the preceding fiscal quarter, the closing sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days endingher address shown on the last trading day of such preceding fiscal quarter is more than 125% of the accreted conversion price per share of common stock on the last day of such preceding fiscal quarter. Once the foregoing condition is satisfied for any one quarter, then the notes will thereafter be convertible at any time at the option of the holder, through maturity. Upon a conversion, we will have the right to deliver cash or a combination of cash and common stock, as described below.

     The “accreted conversion price” per share of common stocktrustee’s records as of any day will equal the sum of the issue price of a note plus the accreted principal to that day divided by the then applicable conversion rate. The “closing sale price” of our common stock on any trading day means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices per share or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices per share) on such date on the principal national securities exchange on which the common stock is listed or, if our common stock is not listed on a national securities exchange, as reported by the Nasdaq system or otherwise as provided in the indenture.

The conversion trigger price per share of our common stock in respect of each of the first 28 fiscal quarters following issuance of the notes is $69.28. This conversion trigger price reflects the accreted conversion price per share of common stock (excluding accrued cash interest, if any) multiplied by 125%. Thereafter, the accreted conversion price per share of common stock increases each fiscal quarter by the accreted principal for the quarter. The conversion trigger price per share for the fiscal quarter beginning January 1, 2024 is $89.52. The foregoing conversion trigger prices assume that no events have occurred that would require an adjustment to the conversion rate.

Conversion Based on Credit Ratings Downgrade

Holders may also surrender notes for conversion during any period in which the credit rating assigned to the notes by S&P is BB or lower and the credit rating assigned on the notes by Moody’s is Ba2 or lower. The notes will cease to be convertible pursuant to this paragraph during any period or periods in which the credit rating is increased above such level.

Conversion Based on Redemption

     A holder may surrender for conversion a note called for redemption at any time prior to the close of business on the second business day immediately precedingregular record date. We will make all payments of principal and premium, if any, by check at the redemption date, evenoffice of the applicable trustee in New York, New York and/or at other offices that may be specified in the prospectus supplement or term sheet or in a notice to holders, against surrender of the debt security.

     Alternatively, if it is not otherwise convertible at such time. A note for which athe holder has delivered a purchase notice or a change in control purchase notice, as described below, requiringasks us to purchase such note maydo so, we will pay any amount that becomes due on the debt security by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account at a bank in New York City, on the due date. To request payment by wire, the holder must give the applicable trustee or other paying agent appropriate transfer instructions at least 15 Business Days before the requested wire payment is due. In the case of any interest payment due on an interest payment date, the instructions must be surrendered for conversion only if such noticegiven by the person who is withdrawnthe holder on the relevant regular record date. Any wire instructions, once properly given, will remain in accordance witheffect unless and until new instructions are given in the indenture.manner described above.

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     A “business day”


Payment When Offices Are Closed.If any payment is any weekdaydue on a debt security on a day that is not a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or obligated to close. A “trading day” is any day on whichBusiness Day, we will make the NYSE is open for trading or, if the

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applicable security is quotedpayment on the Nasdaq system,next day that is a day on which trades may beBusiness Day. Payments made on such marketthe next Business Day in this situation will be treated under the indenture as if they were made on the original due date, except as otherwise indicated in the attached prospectus supplement or ifterm sheet. Such payment will not result in a default under any debt security or the applicable security is not so listed, admitted for trading or quoted, any business day.
Conversion Upon Occurrence of Certain Corporate Transactions

     If we are party to a consolidation, merger or binding share exchange or a transfer of all or substantially all of our assets, a note may be surrendered for conversion at any timeindenture, and no interest will accrue on the payment amount from and after the original due date which is 15 days prior to the anticipated effective date of the transaction until the datenext day that is 15 days after the actual effective date of such transaction,a Business Day.

Material Covenants
Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Conveyance. The indenture provides that AAM Inc. or Holdings may not consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease their properties and at the effective date, the right to convert a note into common stock will be changed into a right to convert it into the kind and amount of securities, cash or other assets of our company or another person which the holder would have received if the holder had converted the holder’s notes immediately prior to the transaction. If such transaction also constitutes a change in control of our company, the holder will be able to require us to purchase all or a portion of such holder’s notessubstantially as described under “— Change in Control Permits Purchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the Holder.”

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, no notes may be surrendered for conversion pursuant to the previous paragraph, and no corporate transaction requiring an adjustment to the conversion price will be deemed to have occurred by reason of a merger, consolidation or other transaction effected with one of our affiliates for the purpose of changing our state of incorporationentirety to any other state within the United States or the District of Columbia.

     The notes will also be convertible upon the occurrence of certain distributions resulting in an adjustment to the conversion price as described above.

Contingent Cash Interest

     Subject to the accrual and record date provisions described below, we will pay contingent cash interest to the holders of the notes during any six-month period from February 16 to August 15 and from August 16 to February 15, commencing February 16, 2011, if the average trading price of a note for the five trading days ending on the third trading day immediately preceding the first day of the relevant six-month period equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price, accreted principal, if any, and accrued cash interest, if any, for a note to the day immediately preceding the first day of the applicable six-month period. The contingent cash interest payable per note in respect of any six-month period in which contingent cash interest is payable will equal the annual rate of 0.25% of the average trading price of a note for the five trading day measurement period.

     Contingent cash interest, if any, will accrue and be payable to holders of notes as of the 15th day preceding the last day of the relevant six-month period. Such payments will be paid on the last day of the relevant six-month period. Principal will continue to accrete after February 15, 2011 at the yield to maturity whether or not contingent cash interest is paid.

     If the bid solicitation agent cannot reasonably obtain at least one bid for $2.5 million original principal amount of notes from a nationally recognized securities dealer or in our reasonable judgment the bid quotations are not indicative of the secondary market value of the notes, then the trading price of the note will equal (a) the then applicable conversion rate of the notes multiplied by (b) the average closing sale price of our common stock on the five trading days ending on such determination date.

     Upon determination that note holders will be entitled to receive contingent cash interest during a relevant six-month period, we will issue a press release and use our reasonable best efforts to post such information on our website or through such other public medium as we may use at that time.

     We may unilaterally increase the amount of contingent cash interest we may pay or pay interest or other amounts we are not obligated to pay, but we will have no obligation to do so.

Redemption of Notes at Our Option

     No sinking fund is provided for the notes. Prior to February 20, 2011, we cannot redeem the notes at our option. Beginning on February 20, 2011, we may redeem the notes for cash, in whole or in part at any time or

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entity, unless:

from time to time. We will give not less than 30 days’ or more than 60 days’ notice of redemption by mail to holders of notes.

If we elect to redeem notes, we will pay a redemption price equal to the sum of the issue price plus accreted principal and accrued and unpaid cash interest, if any, including contingent cash interest, if any, on such notes to the applicable redemption date. The table below shows the redemption prices of a note on February 20, 2011, on each February 15 thereafter prior to maturity and at maturity on February 15, 2024. In addition, the redemption price of a note that is redeemed between the dates listed below would include an additional amount reflecting the additional principal amount that has accreted on such note since the immediately preceding date in the table below.

             
(2)(3)
(1)AccretedRedemption
Redemption DateNote Issue PricePrincipal AmountPrice(1)+(2)




February 20, 2011 $1,000  $0.28  $1,000.28 
February 15, 2012  1,000   20.10   1,020.10 
February 15, 2013  1,000   40.60   1,040.60 
February 15, 2014  1,000   61.52   1,061.52 
February 15, 2015  1,000   82.86   1,082.86 
February 15, 2016  1,000   104.62   1,104.62 
February 15, 2017  1,000   126.83   1,126.83 
February 15, 2018  1,000   149.47   1,149.47 
February 15, 2019  1,000   172.58   1,172.58 
February 15, 2020  1,000   196.15   1,196.15 
February 15, 2021  1,000   220.19   1,220.19 
February 15, 2022  1,000   244.72   1,244.72 
February 15, 2023  1,000   269.73   1,269.73 
At stated maturity  1,000   295.26   1,295.26 

     If we redeem less than all of the outstanding notes, the trustee will select the notes to be redeemed in original principal amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples of $1,000. In this case, the trustee may select the notes by lot, pro rata or by any other method the trustee considers fair and appropriate. If a portion of a holder’s notes is selected for partial redemption and the holder converts a portion of the notes, the converted portion will be deemed to be part of the portion of notes selected for redemption.

Purchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the Holder for Cash

     On the purchase dates of February 20, 2011, February 15, 2014 and February 15, 2019, we may, at the option of the holder, be required to purchase for cash, at the purchase price set forth below plus accrued and unpaid cash interest, if any, including contingent cash interest, if any, to the purchase date, all or a portion of such holder’s outstanding notes for which a written purchase notice has been properly delivered and not withdrawn, subject to certain additional conditions. Holders may submit their written purchase notice to the paying agent at any time from the opening of business on the date that is 20 business days prior to such purchase date until the close of business on the business day immediately preceding such purchase date.

     The purchase price of a note will be the following, plus accrued cash interest, if any, including contingent cash interest, if any:

 • $1,000.28 per notethe successor or transferee entity, if other than AAM Inc. or Holdings, as the case may be, is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, any premium on February 20, 2011;and any interest on, all the outstanding debt securities and the performance of every covenant and obligation in the indenture to be performed or observed by AAM Inc. or Holdings, as the case may be;
 
 $1,061.52 per note on February 15, 2014;immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default, as defined in the indenture, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, has happened and is continuing; and
 
• $1,172.58 per note on February 15, 2019.

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     The above purchase prices reflect a price equal to the sum of the issue price and accreted principal, if any, on such notes as of the applicable purchase date. We may only pay the purchase price in cash and not in shares of our common stock. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — Sale, Exchange, Conversion or Redemption of Notes.”

     We will be required to give notice on a date not less than 20 business days prior to each purchase date to all holders at their addresses shown in the register of the registrar, and to beneficial owners as required by applicable law, stating among other things:

 • AAM Inc. or Holdings, as the amount of the purchase price; and
• the procedures that holders must follow to require us to purchase their notes.

     The purchase notice given by each holder electing to require us to purchase notes shall state:

• if certificated notes have been issuedcase may be, has delivered to the holder,trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each in the certificate numbers ofform required by the holder’s notes to be delivered for purchase;
• the portion of the original principal amount of notes to be purchased, which must be $1,000indenture and stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or an integral multiple of $1,000;lease and,
• that the notes are to be purchased by us pursuant to the applicable provisions of the notes.

     If the notes are not in certificated form, a holder’s notice must comply with appropriate DTC procedures.

     A holder may withdraw any purchase notice by delivering a written notice of withdrawal delivered to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the purchase date. The notice of withdrawal shall state:

• the original principal amount being withdrawn;
• if the notes area supplemental indenture is required in certificated form, the certificate numbers of the notes being withdrawn; and
• the original principal amount, if any, of the notes that remain subject to the purchase notice.

     In connection with any purchase offer, we will, if required:

• connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with the foregoing provisions of Rule 13e-4, Rule 14e-1 and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable; and
• file Schedule TO or any other required schedule under the Exchange Act.relating to such transaction.

     Payment

     In case of any such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer, the purchase pricesuccessor entity will succeed to and be substituted for a note for which a purchase notice has been delivered and not validly withdrawn is conditioned upon delivery of the note, together with necessary endorsements, to the paying agent at any time after delivery of the purchase notice. Payment of the purchase price for the note will be made promptly following the later of the purchase dateAAM Inc. or the time of delivery of the note.

     If the paying agent holds money or securities sufficient to pay the purchase price of the note on the business day following the purchase date in accordance with the terms of the indenture, then, immediately after the purchase date, the note will cease to be outstanding and cash interest or accreted principal on such note will cease to accrue or accrete,Holdings, as the case may be, whetheras obligor or notguarantor on the note is delivered todebt securities, as the paying agent. Thereafter, all other rights of the holder shall terminate, other than the right to receive the purchase price upon delivery of the note.

     No notescase may be, purchasedwith the same effect as if it had been named in the indenture as AAM Inc. or Holdings, as the case may be.

Limitation on Liens. AAM Inc. and Holdings will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, issue, assume or guarantee any indebtedness for money borrowed (“Debt”) secured by a Mortgage upon any Operating Property, or upon shares of capital stock or Debt issued by any Restricted Subsidiary and owned by AAM Inc. or Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, whether owned at the option of holders if there has occurred and is continuing an event of default with respect to the notes, other than a default in the payment of the purchase price with respect to such notes.

Change in Control Permits Purchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the Holder

     In the event of a change in control of our company, each holder will have the right, at the holder’s option, subject to the terms and conditionsdate of the indenture to require us to purchase for cash all or any portionthereafter acquired, without effectively providing concurrently that the debt securities of the

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holder’s notes. However,each series then outstanding under the original principal amount submitted for purchase by a holder must be $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000.

     We must purchase the notes as of a date no later than 30 business days after the occurrence of such change in control at a cash price equal to the sum of the issue price plus accreted principalindenture are secured equally and accrued cash interest, if any, including contingent cash interest, if any, on such note to such date of purchase.

     Within 15 days after the occurrence of a change in controlratably with or, at our option, prior to such changeDebt so long as such Debt shall be so secured.

     The foregoing restriction shall not apply to, and there shall be excluded from Debt in control but after it is publicly announced, we must mail to all holders of notesany computation under such restriction, Debt secured by:
     (1) Mortgages on any property existing at their addresses shown in the registertime of the registrar andacquisition thereof;
     (2) Mortgages on property of a corporation existing at the time such corporation is merged into or consolidated with our company or Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary or at the time of a sale, lease or other disposition of the properties of such corporation (or a division thereof) as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to beneficial owners as requiredus, Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary, provided that any such Mortgage does not extend to any property owned by applicable law a notice regarding the change in control, which notice shall state, among other things:

• the events causing the change in control;
• the date (or expected date) of such change in control;
• the last date on which the purchase right may be exercised;
• the change in control purchase price;
• the change in control purchase date;
• the name and address of the paying agent and the conversion agent;
• the conversion rate and any adjustments to the conversion rate resulting from such change in control;
• that notes with respect to which a change in control purchase notice is given by the holder may be converted only if the change in control purchase notice has been withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the indenture; and
• the procedures that holders must follow to exercise these rights.

     To exercise this right, the holder must deliver a written notice to the paying agentus, Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, sale, lease or disposition;

     (3) Mortgages on property of a corporation existing at the closetime such corporation becomes a Restricted Subsidiary;
     (4) Mortgages in favor of business on the business day priorour company, Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary;

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     (5) Mortgages to the change in control purchase date. The required purchase notice upon a change in control shall state:

• if certificated notes have been issued to the holder, the certificate numbers of the notes to be delivered by the holder;
• the portion of the principal amount of notes to be purchased, which portion must be $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000; and
• that we are to purchase such notes pursuant to the applicable provisions of the notes.

     If the notes are not in certificated form, a holder’s notice must comply with appropriate DTC procedures.

     A holder may withdraw any change in control purchase notice by delivering a written notice of withdrawal delivered to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the change in control purchase date. The notice of withdrawal shall state:

• the original principal amount being withdrawn;
• if the notes are in certificated form, the certificate numbers of the notes being withdrawn; and
• the original principal amount, if any, of the notes that remain subject to a change in control purchase notice.

     Paymentsecure all or part of the change in control purchase price for a note for which a change in control purchase notice has been delivered and not validly withdrawn is conditioned upon deliverycost of acquisition, construction, development or improvement of the note, together with necessary endorsements,underlying property, or to secure debt incurred to provide funds for any such purpose, provided that the paying agent atcommitment of the creditor to extend the credit secured by any timesuch Mortgage shall have been obtained no later than 360 days after the delivery of such change in control purchase notice. Payment of this change in control purchase price for such note will be made promptly following the later of (a) the changecompletion of the acquisition, construction, development or improvement of such property or (b) the placing in control purchaseoperation of such property;

     (6) Mortgages in favor of the United States of America or any State thereof, or any department, agency or instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, to secure partial, progress, advance or other payments; and
     (7) Mortgages existing on the date of the indenture or any extension, renewal, replacement or refunding of any Debt secured by a Mortgage existing on the date of the indenture or referred to in clauses (1) to (3) or (5), provided that any such extension, renewal, replacement or refunding of such Debt shall be created within 360 days of repaying the Debt secured by the Mortgage referred to in clauses (1) to (3) or (5) and the principal amount of the Debt secured thereby and not otherwise authorized by clauses (1) to (3) or (5) shall not exceed the principal amount of Debt, plus any premium or fee payable in connection with any such extension, renewal, replacement or refunding, so secured at the time of deliverysuch extension, renewal, replacement or refunding.
     Notwithstanding the restrictions described above, AAM Inc., Holdings and any Restricted Subsidiaries may create, incur, issue, assume or guarantee Debt secured by Mortgages without equally and ratably securing the debt securities of each series then outstanding if, at the time of such note.creation, incurrence, issuance, assumption or guarantee, after giving effect thereto and to the retirement of any Debt which is concurrently being retired, the aggregate amount of all such Debt secured by Mortgages which would otherwise be subject to such restrictions (other than any Debt secured by Mortgages permitted as described in clauses (1) through (7) of the immediately preceding paragraph) plus all Attributable Debt of AAM Inc, Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of Sale and Leaseback Transactions with respect to Operating Properties (with the exception of such transactions which are permitted under clauses (1) through (4) of the first sentence of the first paragraph under “— Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions” below) does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.
     “Consolidated Tangible Assets” means the aggregate of all assets of Holdings (including the value of all existing Sale and Leaseback Transactions and any assets resulting from the capitalization of other long-term lease obligations in accordance with GAAP) appearing on the most recent available consolidated balance sheet of Holdings at their net book values, after deducting related depreciation, applicable allowances and other properly deductible items, and after deducting all goodwill, trademarks, tradenames, patents, unamortized debt discount and expenses and other like intangibles, all prepared in accordance with GAAP.
     “Consolidated Current Liabilities” means the aggregate of the current liabilities of Holdings appearing on the most recent available consolidated balance sheet of Holdings, all in accordance with GAAP. In no event shall Consolidated Current Liabilities include any obligation of Holdings or its Subsidiaries issued under a revolving credit or similar agreement if the obligation issued under such agreement matures by its terms within 12 months from the date thereof but by the terms of such agreement such obligation may be renewed or extended or the amount thereof reborrowed or refunded at the option of Holdings, our company or any Subsidiary for a term in excess of 12 months from the date of determination.
     “Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means Consolidated Tangible Assets after deduction of Consolidated Current Liabilities.
     “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession which are in effect on the Issue Date.
     “Mortgage” means, with respect to any property or assets, any mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, security interest, lien, encumbrance, or any other security arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respect to such property or assets (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

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     If

     “Operating Property” means any real property or equipment located in the paying agent holds money sufficientUnited States owned by, or leased to, payAAM Inc., Holdings or any Subsidiary that has a market value in excess of 1.0% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.
     “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
     “Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary (excluding AAM Inc.) that owns Operating Property.
     “Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means any arrangement with any Person providing for the change in control purchase priceleasing to AAM Inc., Holdings or any Subsidiary of any Operating Property, which Operating Property has been or is to be sold or transferred by AAM Inc., Holdings or such Subsidiary to such Person.
     “Subsidiary” means any corporation of which at least a majority of the noteoutstanding stock having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time directly or indirectly owned by AAM Inc. or Holdings, or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by AAM Inc. or Holdings and one or more other Subsidiaries.
Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. AAM Inc. and Holdings will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction with respect to any Operating Property unless:
     (1) the Sale and Leaseback Transaction is solely with our company, Holdings or another Restricted Subsidiary;
     (2) the lease is for a period not in excess of twenty-four months, including renewals;
     (3) our company, Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary would (at the time of entering into such arrangement) be entitled as described in clauses (1) through (7) of the second paragraph under the heading “— Limitation on Liens,” without equally and ratably securing the debt securities then outstanding under the indenture, to create, incur, issue, assume or guarantee Debt secured by a Mortgage on such Operating Property in the amount of the Attributable Debt arising from such Sale and Leaseback Transaction;
     (4) our company, Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary within 360 days after the sale of such Operating Property in connection with such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is completed, applies an amount equal to the greater of (A) the net proceeds of the sale of such Operating Property or (B) the fair market value of such Operating Property to (i) the retirement of debt securities, other Funded Debt of our company or Holdings ranking on a parity with the debt securities or Funded Debt of a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) the purchase of Operating Property; or
     (5) the Attributable Debt of our company, Holdings and our Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of such Sale and Leaseback Transaction and all other Sale and Leaseback Transactions entered into after the date of the indenture (other than any such Sale and Leaseback Transaction as would be permitted as described in clauses (1) through (4) of this sentence), plus the aggregate principal amount of Debt secured by Mortgages on Operating Properties then outstanding (not including any such Debt secured by Mortgages described in clauses (1) through (7) of the second paragraph under the heading “— Limitation on Liens”) which do not equally and ratably secure such outstanding debt securities (or secure such outstanding debt securities on a basis that is prior to other Debt secured thereby), would not exceed 10% of Consolidated Tangible Net Assets.
     “Attributable Debt” in respect of any Sale and Leaseback Transaction, means, as of the time of determination, the total obligation (discounted to present value at the rate per annum equal to the discount rate which would be applicable to a capital lease obligation with like term in accordance with GAAP) of the lessee for rental payments (other than amounts required to be paid on account of property taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance, water rates

28


and other items which do not constitute payments for property rights) during the remaining portion of the initial term of the lease included in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction.
     “Funded Debt” means all Debt having a maturity of more than 12 months from the date as of which the determination is made or having a maturity of 12 months or less but by its terms being renewable or extendable beyond 12 months from such date at the option of the borrower, but excluding any such Debt owed to our company, Holdings or a Subsidiary.
Events of Default
     An event of default is defined in the indenture as:
     (a) default for 30 days in payment of any interest on the business day followingdebt securities (including additional interest under the changeregistration rights agreement described below) when it becomes due and payable;
     (b) default in control purchase datepayment of principal of or any premium on the debt securities at maturity or redemption price when the same becomes due and payable;
     (c) default by us or Holdings in the performance of any other covenant contained in the indenture for the benefit of the debt securities that has not been remedied by the end of a period of 60 days after notice is given as specified in the indenture;
     (d) the guarantee of Holdings ceases to be in full force and effect or is declared null and void or Holdings denies that it has any further liability under its guarantee to the note holders, or has given notice to such effect (other than by reason of the termination of the indenture or the release of such guarantee in accordance with the termsindenture), and such condition shall have continued for a period of the indenture, then immediately30 days after the change in control purchase date, cash interest or accreted principal on the note will cease to accrue or accrete,notice is given as the case may be, whether or not the note is delivered to the paying agent. Thereafter, all other rights of the holder shall terminate, other than the right to receive the change in control purchase price upon delivery of the note.

     Under the indenture, a “change in control” of our company will be deemed to have occurred at such time as:

• any person other than our company, its subsidiaries or their employee benefit plans, becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of our capital stock entitled under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a majority of our directors, or
• our company is consolidated with, or merged into, another person or such other person is merged into our company (other than a transaction pursuant to which the holders of 50% or more of the total voting power of all shares of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such transaction have, directly or indirectly, at least 50% or more of the total voting power of all capital stock of the continuing or surviving corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of such continuing or surviving corporation immediately after such transaction).

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “change in control” will not be deemed to occur in connection with any merger or similar transaction the purpose of which is to change the state of incorporation of the relevant person.

     The indenture does not permit our board of directors to waive our obligation to purchase notes at the option of holdersspecified in the event of a change in control.

     In connection with any purchase offer in the event of a change in control, we will:

• comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4, Rule 14e-1 and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable; and
• file Schedule TO or any other required schedule under the Exchange Act.

     The change in control purchase feature of the notes may, in certain circumstances, make more difficult or discourage a takeover of American Axle. The change in control purchase feature, however, is not the result of our knowledge of any specific effort:

• to accumulate shares of common stock;
• to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, solicitation or otherwise; or
• part of a plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions.

     Instead, the change in control purchase feature is a standard term contained in other offerings of securities similar to the notes that have been marketed by the initial purchasers. The terms of the change in control purchase feature resulted from negotiations between the initial purchasers and us.

     We could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including certain recapitalizations, that would not constitute a change in control with respect to the change in control purchase feature of the notes but that would increase the amount of our or our subsidiaries’ outstanding indebtedness. In addition, the provisions of the indenture may not afford holders of the notes the right to require us to repurchase the notes in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or certain reorganization, restructuring, merger or other similar transactions (including, in certain circumstances, an acquisition of us by management or its affiliates) involving us that may adversely affect holders of the notes, if such transaction is not a transaction defined as a change in control.

     No notes may be purchased at the option of holders upon a change in control if there has occurred and is continuing an event of default with respect to the notes, other than aindenture;

     (e) default in the payment of principal when due or resulting in acceleration of other indebtedness of AAM Inc., Holdings or any Significant Subsidiary for borrowed money where the change in control purchase priceaggregate principal amount with respect to which the notes.

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Eventsdefault or acceleration has occurred exceeds $50 million and such acceleration has not been rescinded or annulled or such indebtedness repaid within a period of Default30 days after written notice to us by the trustee or to us and Acceleration

     The following arethe trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount at maturity of the debt securities, provided that if any such default is cured, waived, rescinded or annulled, then the event of default by reason thereof would be deemed not to have occurred; and

     (f) certain events of default under the indenture:

• default in the payment of any principal amount (including accreted principal) at maturity or any redemption price, purchase price, or change in control purchase price due with respect to the notes, when the same become due and payable;
• default in payment of any interest (including contingent cash interest) under the notes, which default continues for 30 days;
• the guarantee of AAM Inc. ceases to be in full force and effect or is declared null and void or AAM Inc. denies that it has any further liability under its guarantee to the note holders, or has given notice to such effect (other than by reason of the termination of the indenture or the release of such guarantee in accordance with the indenture), and such condition shall have continued for a period of 30 days after notice is given as specified in the indenture;
• our or the guarantor’s failure to comply with any of our or its other agreements in the notes or the indenture upon our receipt of notice of such default from the trustee or from holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the notes, and the failure to cure (or obtain a waiver of) such default within 30 days after receipt of such notice;
• default in the payment of principal when due or resulting in acceleration of other indebtedness of AAM Inc., Holdings or any Significant Subsidiary for borrowed money where the aggregate principal amount with respect to which the default or acceleration has occurred exceeds $50 million and such acceleration has not been rescinded or annulled or such indebtedness repaid within a period of 30 days after written notice to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount at maturity of the notes, provided that if any such default is cured, waived, rescinded or annulled, then the event of default by reason thereof would be deemed not to have occurred; and
• certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization affecting us or AAM Inc.

bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization of our company or Holdings.

          When we refer to a “Significant Subsidiary,” we mean any Subsidiary that would constitute a “significant subsidiary” within the meaning of Article 1 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act as in effect on the date of the indenture.

     If an event of default shall have happened and be continuing, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the notes

The indenture provides that:
if an event of default described in clause (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) above has occurred and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities may declare the principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding, may declare the issue price of the notes plus the accreted principal, if any, on the notes through the date of such declaration, and any accrued and unpaid cash interest including contingent cash interest, if any, through the date of such declaration immediately due and payable. In the case of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, the issue price of the notes plus the accreted principal, if any, thereon, together with any accrued cash interest, including contingent cash interest, if any, through the date of such declaration, to be due and payable immediately;
upon certain conditions such declarations may be annulled and past defaults (except for defaults in the payment of principal of, any premium on or interest on, the debt securities and in compliance with certain covenants) may be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding; and
if an event of default described in clause (f) occurs and is continuing, then the principal amount of all debt securities issued under the indenture and then outstanding, together with any accrued interest through the

29


occurrence of such event, shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable. Ifpayable immediately, without any declaration or other act by the trustee or any other holder.
     Under the indenture, the trustee must give to the holders of debt securities notice of all uncured defaults known to it with respect to the debt securities within 90 days after such a bankruptcy proceeding is commenceddefault occurs (the term default to include the events specified above without notice or grace periods); provided that, except in respectthe case of us,default in the claimpayments of principal of, any premium on, any of the beneficial ownerdebt securities, the trustee will be protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith determines that the withholding of a note may be limited, under Section 502(6)(2) of Title 11such notice is in the interests of the United States Code, to the issue priceholders of the note plus the accreted principal, if any, and any unpaid cash interest and any contingent cash interest which has accrued as of the commencement of the proceeding.

Consolidation, Mergers or Sales of Assets

     The indenture provides that we and AAM Inc. may not consolidate with or merge into any person or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entity to another person unless:

debt securities.

No holder of any debt securities may institute any action under the indenture unless:
 
such holder has given the resulting, surviving or transferee person istrustee written notice of a corporation organized and existing undercontinuing event of default with respect to the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, and such corporation (if other than us or AAM Inc., as the case may be) assumes all our or AAM Inc.’s, as the case may be, obligations under the notes and the indenture;

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debt securities;
 
after giving effectthe holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding have requested the trustee to the transaction noinstitute proceedings in respect of such event of default, and no event that, after noticedefault;
such holder or passage of time, would becomeholders have offered the trustee such reasonable indemnity as the trustee may require;
the trustee has failed to institute an event of default, has occurred and is continuing;action for 60 days thereafter; and
 
 other conditions describedno inconsistent direction has been given to the trustee during such 60-day period by the holders of a majority in the indenture are met.aggregate principal amount of debt securities.

     Upon

     The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the assumption of our or AAM Inc.’s obligations by such corporation in such circumstances,debt securities affected and then outstanding will have the right, subject to certain exceptions, welimitations, to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or AAM Inc., asexercising any trust or power conferred on the case may be, shall be discharged from all obligations undertrustee with respect to the notesdebt securities. The indenture provides that, if an event of default occurs and is continuing, the indenture. Although such transactions are permittedtrustee, in exercising its rights and powers under the indenture, certainwill be required to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the foregoing transactions occurring could constituteconduct of his own affairs. The indenture further provides that the trustee shall not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties under the indenture unless it has reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is reasonably assured to it.
     We must furnish to the trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year a change in controlstatement of our company permitting each holder to require us to purchasesigned by one of the notes of such holder as described above. An assumptionofficers of our obligationscompany to the effect that a review of our activities during such year and our performance under the notesindenture and the indenture by such corporation might be deemed for United States federal income tax purposes to be an exchangeterms of the notes for new notes by the holders thereof, resulting in recognition of gain or loss for such purposesdebt securities has been made, and, possibly other adverse tax consequences to the holders. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regardingknowledge of the tax consequencessignatories based on such review, we have complied with all conditions and covenants of such an assumption.

Modification

     The trustee and we may amend the indenture or, if we are in default, specifying such default.

Modification of the notesIndenture
     We and the trustee may, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities issued under the indenture, enter into supplemental indenture for, among others, one or more of the following purposes:
to evidence the succession of another corporation to our company, and the assumption by such successor of our obligations under the indenture and the debt securities;
to add covenants of our company, or surrender any rights of the company, or add any rights for the benefit of the holders of debt securities;
to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency in such indenture;
to establish the form or terms of any other series of debt securities, including any subordinated securities;
to evidence and provide the acceptance of any successor trustee with respect to the debt securities or one or more other series of debt securities or to facilitate the administration of the trusts thereunder by one or more trustees in accordance with such indenture; and
to provide any additional events of default.

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     With certain exceptions, the indenture, the Holdings guarantee or the rights of the holders of the debt securities may be modified by us and the trustee with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate original principal amount of the notesdebt securities then outstanding. However,outstanding, but no such modification may be made without the consent of the holdersholder of each outstanding note is required to:

affected thereby that would:

 • alterchange the mannermaturity of calculation or rate of accrual of interest (including contingent cash interest) or accretionany payment of principal of, or any premium on, any debt securities, or change any place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any note or change the time of payment;
• make any notepremium is payable, in money or securities other than that stated in the note;
• change the stated maturity of any note;
• reduce the original principal amount, restated principal amount, issue price, accreted principal amount, redemption price, purchase price or change in control purchase price with respect to any note;
• make any change that adversely affects the rights of a holder to convert any note in any material respect;
• make any change that adversely affects the right to require us to purchase a note in any material respect;
• impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment with respect toon or after the notesmaturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or with respect to conversion ofafter the notes; orredemption date);
 
• change the provisions in the indenture that relate to modifying or amending the indenture.
 • Withoutreduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities, the consent of whose holders is required for any holdersuch modification, or the consent of notes, the trustee and we may amend the indenture:
• to evidence a successor to us and the assumption by that successorwhose holders is required for any waiver of our obligations under the indenture and the notes;
• to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of the notes or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us;
• to secure our obligations in respect of the notes;
• to evidence and provide the acceptance of the appointment of a successor trustee under the indenture;
• to complycompliance with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain qualificationcertain provisions of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, as contemplated by the indenture or otherwise;
• to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistencycertain defaults thereunder and their consequences provided for in the indenture; or
 
 to makemodify any change that does not adversely affect the rights of the holdersprovisions of the notes in any material respect.

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     The holders of a majority in original principal amount of the outstanding notes may, on behalf of all the holders of all notes:

• waive compliance by us with restrictive provisionscertain sections of the indenture, as detailedincluding the provisions summarized in the indenture;this paragraph, except to increase any such percentage or
• waive any past default under the indenture and its consequences, except a default in the payment to provide that certain other provisions of any amount due, or in the obligation to deliver common stock, with respect to any note or in respect of any provision which under the indenture cannot be modified or amendedwaived without the consent of the holder of each outstanding note affected.debt securities affected thereby.

Defeasance
          The following provisions will be applicable to each series of debt securities unless we state in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet that the provisions of covenant defeasance and full defeasance will not be applicable to that series.
Covenant Defeasance.Under current United States federal tax law, we can make the deposit described below and be released from some of the restrictive covenants in the indenture under which the particular series was issued. This is called “covenant defeasance.” In that event, you would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the protection of having money and government securities set aside in trust to repay your debt securities. If you hold subordinated securities, you also would be released from the subordination provisions described under “Subordinated Indenture Provisions—Subordination” below. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:
If the debt securities of the particular series are denominated in U.S. dollars, deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of such debt securities a combination of money and United States government or United States government agency debt securities or bonds that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities on their various due dates.
Deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that, under current United States federal income tax law, we may make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the debt securities ourselves at maturity.
Deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to covenant defeasance have been complied with.
          If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you can still look to us for repayment of the debt securities if there were a shortfall in the trust deposit or the trustee is prevented from making payment. In fact, if one of the remaining Events of Default occurred (such as our bankruptcy) and the debt securities became immediately due and payable, there might be a shortfall. Depending on the event causing the default, you may not be able to obtain payment of the shortfall.
Full Defeasance.If there is a change in United States federal tax law, as described below, we can legally release ourselves from all payment and other obligations on the debt securities of a particular series (called “full defeasance”) if we put in place the following other arrangements for you to be repaid:
If the debt securities of the particular series are denominated in U.S. dollars, we must deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of such debt securities a combination of money and United States government or United States government agency debt securities or bonds that will generate enough

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cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities on their various due dates.
We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion confirming that there has been a change in current United States federal tax law or an Internal Revenue Service ruling that allows us to make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the debt securities ourselves at maturity. Under current United States federal tax law, the deposit and our legal release from the debt securities would be treated as though we paid you your share of the cash and debt securities or bonds at the time the cash and debt securities or bonds were deposited in trust in exchange for your debt securities and you would recognize gain or loss on the debt securities at the time of the deposit.
We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to defeasance have been complied with.
          If we ever did accomplish full defeasance, as described above, you would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment of the debt securities. You could not look to us for repayment in the unlikely event of any shortfall. Conversely, the trust deposit would most likely be protected from claims of our lenders and other creditors if we ever became bankrupt or insolvent. If you hold subordinated securities, you would also be released from the subordination provisions described later under “Subordinated Indenture Provisions— Subordination.”
Discharge of the Indenture

          We may satisfy and discharge our obligations under the indenture by delivering to the trustee for cancellation all outstanding notesdebt securities or by depositing with the trustee or the paying agent or the conversion agent, if applicable, after the notesdebt securities have become due and payable, whether at stated maturity, or any redemption date, or any purchase date, or a change in control purchase date, or upon conversion or otherwise, cash or shares of common stock (as applicable under the terms of the indenture) sufficient to pay all of the outstanding notesdebt securities and paying all other sums payable under the indenture.

indenture by our company.

Calculations in RespectForm, Exchange and Transfer of NotesCertificated Registered Securities

     We are responsible for making all calculations called for under the notes. These calculations include, but are not limited to, determination of the average market prices of the notes and of our common stock and amounts of contingent cash interest payments, if any, payable on the notes. We will make all these calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, our calculations are final and binding on holders of notes. We will provide a schedule of our calculations to the trustee, and the trustee is entitled to conclusively rely upon the accuracy of our calculations without independent verification.

Limitations of Claims in Bankruptcy

          If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of American Axle, the claim of a holder of a note is, under title 11 of the United States Code, limitedregistered debt securities cease to the issue price of the note plus that portion of the accreted principal, if any, together with any unpaid cash interest and any contingent cash interest, that has accreted or accrued, as the case may be, from the date of issue to the commencement of the proceeding.

Governing Law

     The indenture, the notes and the guarantee are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

Information Concerning the Trustee

     BNY Midwest Trust Company will be the trustee, registrar, paying agent and conversion agent under the indenture for the notes.

Book-Entry System

     The notes will be issued in thebook-entry form, of global securities without coupons held in fully registered book-entry form. DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., is the sole registered holder of the notes for all purposes under the indenture. Owners of beneficial interests in the notes represented by the global securities hold their interests pursuant to the procedures and practices of DTC. As a result, beneficial interests in any such securities are shown on, and may only be transferred through, records maintained by DTC and its direct and indirect participants and any such interest may not be exchanged for certificated securities, except in limited circumstances. Owners of beneficial interests must exercise any rights in respect of their interests, including any right to convert or require purchase of their interests in the notes, in accordance with the procedures and practices of DTC. Beneficial owners will not be holders and will not be entitled to any rights under the global securities or the indenture. The

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company and the trustee, and any of their respective agents, may treat DTC as the sole holder and registered owner of the global securities.

Exchange of Global Securities

     Notes represented by a global securitythey will be exchangeable for certificated securities with the same terms only if:

issued:

 DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agencyonly in fully registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days;certificated form,
 
 without interest coupons, and
unless we decide to discontinue useindicate otherwise in the prospectus supplement or term sheet, in denominations of $1,000 and amounts that are multiples of $1,000.
          Holders may exchange their certificated securities for debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed.
          Holders may exchange or transfer their certificated securities at the office of their trustee. We have appointed the trustee to act as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders transferring debt securities. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves.
          Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their certificated securities, but they may be required to pay any tax or other governmental charge associated with the transfer or exchange. The transfer or exchange will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership.
          If we have designated additional transfer agents for your debt security, they will be named in your prospectus supplement or term sheet. We may appoint additional transfer agents or cancel the appointment of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.
          If any certificated securities of a particular series are redeemable and we redeem less than all the debt securities of that series, we may block the transfer or exchange of those debt securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers or exchanges of any certificated securities selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any debt security that will be partially redeemed.

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     If a registered debt security is issued in book-entry form, only the depositary will be entitled to transfer and exchange the debt security as described in this subsection, since it will be the sole holder of the debt security.
Resignation of Trustee
     The trustee may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of indenture securities provided that a successor trustee is appointed to act with respect to these series. In the event that two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of indenture securities under the indenture, each of the trustees will be a trustee of a trust separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee.
The Trustee Under the Indenture
     The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. is one of a number of banks with which we maintain ordinary banking relationships and from which we may have obtained credit facilities and lines of credit.
Certain Considerations Relating to Foreign Currencies
     Debt securities denominated or payable in foreign currencies may entail significant risks. These risks include the possibility of significant fluctuations in the foreign currency markets, the imposition or modification of foreign exchange controls and potential illiquidity in the secondary market. These risks will vary depending upon the currency or currencies involved and will be more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT WARRANTS
     We may issue (either separately or together with other offered securities) debt warrants to purchase underlying debt securities issued by us (“offered debt warrants”). We will issue the debt warrants under warrant agreements (each a “debt warrant agreement”) to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent (the “debt warrant agent”), identified in the prospectus supplement or term sheet.
     Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the debt warrants and the debt warrant agreement. We urge you to read the debt warrant agreement because it, and not this description, defines your rights as a holder of debt warrants. We will file the form of debt warrant agreement with the SEC. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain a copy of the debt warrant agreement.
General
     You should read the prospectus supplement or term sheet for the material terms of the offered debt warrants, including the following:
The title and aggregate number of the systemdebt warrants.
The title, rank, aggregate principal amount and terms of book-entry transfer through DTC (orthe underlying debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants.
The principal amount of underlying debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of each debt warrant, and the price or the manner of determining the price at which this principal amount may be purchased upon exercise.
The time or times at which, or the period or periods during which, the debt warrants may be exercised and the expiration date of the debt warrants.
Any optional redemption terms.
Whether certificates evidencing the debt warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form and, if registered, where they may be transferred and exchanged.
Whether the debt warrants are to be issued with any successor depositary);debt securities or any other securities and, if so, the amount and terms of these debt securities or other securities.
The date, if any, on and after which the debt warrants and these debt securities or other securities will be separately transferable.
Any other material terms of the debt warrants.
     The prospectus supplement or term sheet will also contain a discussion of the United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the offering.
     Debt warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new debt warrant certificates of different denominations. No service charge will be imposed for any permitted transfer or exchange of debt warrant certificates, but we may require payment of any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. Debt warrants may be exercised and exchanged and debt warrants in registered form may be presented for registration of transfer at the corporate trust office of the debt warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement or term sheet.
Exercise of Debt Warrants
     Each offered debt warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase the amount of underlying debt securities at the exercise price set forth in, or calculable from, the prospectus supplement or term sheet relating to the offered debt warrants. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised debt warrants will be void.
     Debt warrants may be exercised by payment to the debt warrant agent of the applicable exercise price and by delivery to the debt warrant agent of the related debt warrant certificate, properly completed. Debt warrants will be deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of the exercise price and the debt warrant certificate or certificates.

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Upon receipt of this payment and the properly completed debt warrant certificates, we will, as soon as practicable, deliver the amount of underlying debt securities purchased upon exercise.
     If fewer than all of the debt warrants represented by any debt warrant certificate are exercised, a new debt warrant certificate will be issued for the unexercised debt warrants. The holder of a debt warrant will be required to pay any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer involved in the issuance of underlying debt securities purchased upon exercise.
Modifications
     There are three types of changes we can make to a debt warrant agreement and the debt warrants issued thereunder.
Changes Requiring Your Approval.First, there are changes that cannot be made to your debt warrants without your specific approval. Those types of changes include modifications and amendments that:
accelerate the expiration date;
reduce the number of outstanding debt warrants, the consent of the holders of which is required for a modification or amendment; or
 
 a default underotherwise materially and adversely affect the indenture occurs and is continuing.rights of the holders of the debt warrants.

     DTC has advised us as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning

Changes Not Requiring Approval.The second type of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC facilitates the settlement of transactions among its participants through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants’ accounts, eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, including the initial purchasers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations, some of whom and/or their representatives, own DTC. Access to DTC’s book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.

Registration Rights

     In connection with the private placement of the notes on February 11, 2004, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the notes. In the registration rights agreement, we agreed to file, for the benefit of thechange does not require any vote by holders of the notesdebt warrants. This type of change is limited to clarifications and other changes that would not materially adversely affect the interests of holders of the debt warrants.

Changes Requiring a Majority Vote.Any other change to the debt warrant agreement and the debt warrants requires a vote in favor by holders of a majority in number of the then outstanding unexercised debt warrants affected thereby. Most changes fall into this category.
No Rights as Holders of Underlying Debt Securities
     Before the warrants are exercised, holders of the debt warrants are not entitled to payments of principal, premium or interest, if any, on the related underlying debt securities or to exercise any rights whatsoever as holders of the underlying debt securities.

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
     Pursuant to the warrant agreement by and between Holdings and GM dated as of September 16, 2009 (the “Warrant Agreement”), Holdings issued GM 4,093,729 warrants (the “Initial GM Warrants”), which entitles GM to purchase 4,093,729 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.76 per share (the “Exercise Price”). Holdings agreed to issue to GM up to an additional 6,915,083 warrants (the “Additional GM Warrants” and together with the Initial GM Warrants, the “GM Warrants”) based upon the amount drawn under the Second Lien Term Credit Facility between Holdings and GM, dated as of September 16, 2009. The Additional GM Warrants entitle GM to purchase shares of common stock at the Exercise Price. The GM Warrants will be exercisable at the holder’s option at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, commencing on September 16, 2009 until 5:00 pm New York City time on September 16, 2014 (the “Expiration Date”). We are registering hereby the sale by GM of the Initial GM Warrants (herein referred to as the “common stock warrants”) and the common stock issuable upon conversionexercise of the notes, commonlyInitial GM Warrants (herein referred to as the registrable“warrants shares”).
     The ultimate number of shares of common stock to be issued under the Warrant Agreement and the Exercise Price are subject to certain customary anti-dilution adjustments for changes in Holdings’ capital stock, rights issues, cash and non-cash distributions, certain repurchases of common stock, consolidation or mergers. The GM Warrants will not be subject to contractual restrictions on transfer other than as necessary to ensure compliance with U.S. federal and state securities laws.
     GM has agreed that while it or any of its affiliates holds any GM Warrants or shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the GM Warrants (the “GM Warrant Shares”), GM will not, and will direct its affiliates not to, (i) acquire, offer to acquire, or agree to acquire, directly or indirectly, securities of Holdings or any subsidiary if, following such acquisition, GM and its affiliates would be the beneficial owners of more than 20% of the then outstanding common stock without Holdings’ consent, (ii) seek or propose to influence or control the management or policies of Holdings, make or in any way participate, directly or indirectly, in any “solicitation” of “proxies” to vote any voting securities of Holdings or any subsidiary thereof, or seek to advise or influence any person or entity with respect to the voting of any voting securities of Holdings or any subsidiary thereof, (iii) make any public announcement with respect to, or submit a shelf registration statementproposal for or offer of, any merger, recapitalization, reorganization, business combination or other extraordinary transaction involving Holdings or any subsidiary thereof, or any of their securities or assets, (iv) enter into any negotiations, arrangements or understandings with any third party with respect to the foregoing, or (v) publicly disclose that it has requested Holdings to amend or waive any of the above provisions or make such request in a manner that would require public disclosure by Holdings.
     In addition, if GM or any of its affiliates exercises a GM Warrant at our expense.

     Underany time prior to the terms30th calendar day prior to the Expiration Date, it shall not hold any GM Warrant Shares for more than 30 calendar days following such exercise (the “Disposal Period”); provided, however, that if GM (or any of its affiliates) is prohibited from selling all or any portion of the GM Warrant Shares pursuant to the registration rights agreement, we agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to keep the shelf registration statement of which this prospectus is a part effective until the earlier of (1) the sale of all outstanding registrable securities registered under this shelf registration statement and (2) the expirationprovisions of the holding period applicable to such securities held by persons that are not affiliates of American Axle under Rule 144(k) underWarrant Agreement during the Securities Act, or any successor provision, subject to certain permitted exceptions. We are permitted to suspendDisposal Period, then the use of this prospectus under certain circumstances relating to corporate developments, public filings with the SEC and similar events for a period not to exceed 45 days in any three-month period and not to exceed an aggregate of 120 days in any 12-month period.

     We have agreed to pay predetermined liquidated damages as described herein (“liquidated damages”) if the prospectus is unavailable for the periods in excess of those permitted above (referred to as a “registration default”). Such liquidated damages shall accrue until such failure to file or become effective or unavailability is cured at a rate per year equal to 0.25% for the first 90-day period after the occurrence of such event and 0.50% thereafter of the “applicable principal amount” thereof. So long as the unavailability continues, we will pay liquidated damages in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year to the holders of record of the notes on the immediately preceding January 31 or July 30. When such registration default is cured, accrued and unpaid liquidated damages will be paid in cash to the record holder as of the date of such cure. The term “applicable principal amount” means, as of any date of determination, with respect to each $1,000 original principal amount of notes, the sum of the initial issue price of such notes plus accreted principal, if any, and any accrued cash interestDisposal Period with respect to such notes throughGM Warrant Shares will be extended by the length of time GM (or any of its affiliates) is prohibited from selling such dateGM Warrant Shares. GM and its affiliates will have no rights (including the right to vote in the election of determinationdirectors or if liquidated damages have accruedreceive dividends) with respect to a note that has been purchased or redeemed by us, such sum calculated as if such note was then outstanding.

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any GM Warrant Shares held in violation of the previous sentence. If a holder converts some or allGM (or any of its notes into common stockaffiliates) holds any GM Warrant Shares either during the occurrenceDisposal Period or following the Expiration Date, it will vote such GM Warrant Shares proportionally with all other stockholders of Holdings.

     The GM Warrants were issued in a private placement transaction exempt from registration default,requirements pursuant to Section 4(2) of the holder will not receive liquidated damages on such common stock, but upon conversion will receiveSecurities Act of 1933, as amended. Holdings has granted certain registration rights to GM for the number of shares equal toGM Warrants and the product of (i) the shares that the holder would have received based upon the then current conversion rate absent a registration default, and (ii) 1.03. If a registration default with respect to the common stock occurs after a holder has converted the notes into common stock, such holder will not be entitled to any liquidated damages or additional shares of common stock.

     Astock held by GM or other holder who sells registrable securities pursuant to this prospectus must deliver a prospectus to purchasers and be bound by certain provisionsupon exercise of the registration rights agreement that are applicable to such holder, including certain indemnification provisions. We will provide to each registered holder and the trustee copiesGM Warrants. See “Description of this prospectus and take certain other actions as are required to permit, subject to the foregoing, unrestricted resales of the registrable securities.Common Stock.”

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This summary of certain provisions of the registration rights agreement is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the registration rights agreement, a copy of which can be obtained from us.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

     On January 9, 2004, AAM Inc. entered into a new senior unsecured revolving credit facility, or the Senior Revolving Bank Credit Facility, that provides up to $600.0 million of revolving bank credit commitments through January 2009, of which up to the equivalent of $100 million and $50 million, respectively, can be denominated in Euros and Pounds Sterling. This new bank credit facility will be used for general corporate purposes, including to refinance our previously existing bank credit facilities.

     The Senior Revolving Bank Credit Facility provides up to $100 million to be represented by Letters of Credit. We may also use up to $30 million for short-notice swingline loans.

     Amounts outstanding under the Senior Revolving Bank Credit Facility are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Holdings and may also be guaranteed in the future by certain of AAM Inc.’s material subsidiaries.

     At our option, interest rates applicable to borrowings under the Senior Revolving Bank Credit Facility are either based on the LIBOR rate for loans in dollars and Pounds Sterling or the EURIBOR rate for loans in Euros, plus a margin ranging from 0.625% to 2.00%, or the JP Morgan Chase Bank alternate base rate (for loans in dollars), plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 1.00%. The alternate base rate is the higher of JP Morgan Chase Bank’s prime rate and the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%.

     With respect to letters of credit, we pay a per annum fee equal to the applicable margin with respect to LIBOR and EURIBOR loans, or Eurodollar loans, then in effect under the facility, multiplied by the aggregate face amount of outstanding letters of credit. We also pay a per annum fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.40%, multiplied by the undrawn portion of the commitments under the Senior Revolving Bank Credit Facility.

     The Senior Revolving Bank Credit Facility contains various operating covenants which, among other things, impose certain limitations on our ability to incur secured or subsidiary indebtedness, incur liens, merge, make acquisitions, sell all or substantially all of our assets or enter into certain types of transactions with our affiliates. There are no direct limitations on the unsecured indebtedness of AAM Inc. or Holdings. In addition, the Senior Revolving Bank Credit Facility requires us to comply with financial covenants relating to leverage and minimum net worth.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITALCOMMON STOCK

     The following summary describes elements of certain provisionsHoldings’ Certificate of our common stockIncorporation and preferred stock is not complete and is subjectBylaws to and qualifiedbe in its entirety by,effect prior to consummation of the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, copies of which are available to investors upon request.

General

Offerings.

     Holdings’ authorized capital stock consists of (i) 150.0 million150,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (“Common Stock”), of which approximately 52.2 million55,565,873 shares arewere issued and outstanding as of JuneSeptember 30, 2004,2009, (ii) 10.0 million10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share (“Preferred Stock”) of which no shares are issued and outstanding and (iii) 40.0 million40,000,000 shares of series common stock, par value $.01 per share or (“Series Common Stock,Stock”) of which no shares are issued and outstanding.

The following description of Holdings’ capital stock and related matters is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws, copies of which are on file with the SEC.

Common Stock

     Holders of common stockCommon Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders. The holders of common stockCommon Stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Holders of common stockCommon Stock are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when dividends are declared from time to time by Holdings’ Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor, after payment of dividends required to be paid on outstanding preferred stockPreferred Stock or Series Common Stock (as described below), if any. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Holdings, the holders of common stockCommon Stock are entitled to share ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by them in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and accrued but unpaid dividends and liquidation preferences on any outstanding preferred stockPreferred Stock or Series Common Stock of Holdings. The common stockCommon Stock has no preemptive or conversion rights and is not subject to further calls or assessment by Holdings. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. AllCommon Stock. The Common Stock being sold by Holdings in the Offerings, when sold to the Underwriters in the manner described in this prospectus, prospectus supplement or term sheet will be, and all currently outstanding common stockCommon Stock of Holdings and all shares of common stock of Holdings to be issued upon conversion of the notes areis, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

Preferred Stock and Series Common Stock

     The certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation authorizes the Board of Directors to establish one or more series of preferred stockPreferred Stock and Series Common Stock and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stockPreferred Stock or Series Common Stock, the terms and rights of such series, including (i) the designation of the series, (ii) the number of shares of the series, which number the Board may thereafter (except where otherwise provided in the preferred stockPreferred Stock or Series Common Stock designation) increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding), (iii) whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or non-cumulative and the dividend rate of the series, (iv) the dates at which dividends, if any, will be payable, (v) the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series, (vi) the terms and amounts of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series, (vii) the amounts payable on shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the affairs of Holdings, (viii) whether the shares of the series will be convertible into shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of Holdings or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of such other class or series or such other security, the conversion price or prices or rate or rates, any adjustments thereof, the date or dates as of which such shares shall be convertible and all other terms and conditions upon which such conversion may be made, (ix) restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series, and (x) the voting rights, if any, of the holders of such series. The authorized shares of preferred stockPreferred Stock and Series Common Stock, as well as shares of common stock,Common Stock, will be available for issuance without further action by Holdings’ stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Holdings’ securities may be listed or traded.

     Although the Board has no intention at the present time of doing so, it could issue a series of preferred stockPreferred Stock or Series Common Stock that could, depending on the terms of such series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt. The Board will make any determination to issue such shares based on its judgment as to the best interests of Holdings and its stockholders. The Board, in so acting, could issue preferred

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stockPreferred Stock or Series Common Stock having terms that could discourage an acquisition attempt or other transaction that some, or a majority, of the Holdings’ stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which stockholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then-current market price of such stock.

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Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock

     Delaware law does not require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares. However, the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, which would apply so long as the common stockCommon Stock remains listed on the New York Stock Exchange, require stockholder approval of certain issuances equal to or exceeding 20% of the then outstanding voting power or the then outstanding number of shares of common stock.Common Stock. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions.

     One of the effects of the existence of unissued and unreserved common stock, preferred stockCommon Stock, Preferred Stock and Series Common Stock may be to enable Holdings’ Board of Directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, which issuance could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Holdings by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of Holdings’ management and possibly deprive the stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares of common stockCommon Stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices.

Stockholder Rights Plan

     On September 15, 2003, the Board of Directors of Holdings authorized and declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right, or the Right, for each outstanding share of common stock of Holdings. The dividend was paid on September 25, 2003 to the stockholders of record on that date. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from Holdings one one-thousandth of a share of preferred stock of Holdings at a price of $120.00 per one one-thousandth of a share of preferred stock, or the Purchase Price, as the same may be adjusted. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement dated as of September 15, 2003, as the same may be amended from time to time, or the Rights Agreement, between Holdings and EquiServe Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent.

     Until the close of business on the earlier of (i) the tenth day after the first date of a public announcement by Holdings that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons, or an Acquiring Person, have acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock or (ii) the tenth business day (or such later date as may be determined by action of the board of directors of Holdings prior to such time as any person or group of affiliated persons becomes an Acquiring Person) after the date of commencement of, or the first public announcement of an intention to commence, a tender offer or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock (the earlier of such dates being called the Distribution Date), the Rights will be evidenced by the common stock certificates. The Rights Agreement does not restrict any person who beneficially owns 15% or more of the common stock as of the date of the Rights Agreement so long as such person does not become the beneficial owner of additional shares of common stock representing 2% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock.

     The Rights Agreement provides that, until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), the Rights will be transferable only in connection with the transfer of common stock. Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), the surrender for transfer of any certificates for shares of common stock outstanding as of the Record Date, even without a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference, will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the shares of common stock represented by such certificate. As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate certificates evidencing the Rights, or the Right Certificates, will be mailed to holders of record of the common stock as of the close of business on the Distribution Date and such separate Right Certificates alone will evidence the Rights.

     The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The Rights will expire on September 15, 2013, or the Final Expiration Date, unless the Final Expiration Date is extended or unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by Holdings, in each case as described below.

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     The Purchase Price payable, the number of shares of preferred stock or other securities or property purchasable, upon exercise of the Rights and the number of Rights outstanding are subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the preferred stock, (ii) upon the grant to holders of the preferred stock of certain rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase preferred stock at a price, or securities convertible into preferred stock with a conversion price less than the then-current market price of the preferred stock or (iii) upon the distribution to holders of the preferred stock (including any such distribution made in connection with a consolidation or merger in which Holdings is the continuing or surviving corporation) of evidence of indebtedness or assets (excluding regular quarterly cash dividends or dividends payable in preferred stock) or of subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).

     The Rights are also subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend on the common stock payable in shares of common stock or subdivisions, consolidations or combinations of the common stock occurring, in any such case, prior to the Distribution Date.

     Shares of preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will not be redeemable. Each share of preferred stock will be entitled, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, to a minimum preferential quarterly dividend payable in cash of the greater of (a) $1 per share and (b) subject to adjustment, an aggregate per share amount equal to 1,000 times the dividend declared per share of common stock since the immediately preceding dividend payment date. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Holdings, the holders of the preferred stock will be entitled to a minimum preferential liquidation payment of $100 per share (plus any accrued but unpaid dividends) but will be entitled to an aggregate 1,000 times the payment made per share of common stock. Each share of preferred stock will have 1,000 votes, voting together with the common stock. Finally, in the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which shares of common stock are converted or exchanged, each share of preferred stock will be entitled to receive 1,000 times the amount received per share of common stock. These rights are protected by customary anti-dilution provisions.

     Because of the nature of the preferred stock’s dividend, liquidation and voting rights, the value of the one one-thousandth interest in a share of preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of each Right should approximate the value of one share of common stock.

     In the event that any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right, other than Rights beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person (which will thereupon become void), will thereafter have the right to receive upon the exercise of a Right and payment of the Purchase Price, that number of shares of common stock having a market value of two times the Purchase Price.

     In the event that, after a person or group has become an Acquiring Person, Holdings is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction or 50% or more of its consolidated assets or earning power are sold, proper provision will be made so that each holder of a Right (other than Rights beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person which will have become void) will thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at the then-current exercise price of the Right, that number of shares of common stock of the person with whom Holdings has engaged in the foregoing transaction (or its parent), which number of shares at the time of such transaction will have a market value of two times the Purchase Price.

     At any time after any person or group becomes an Acquiring Person and prior to the acquisition by such person or group of 50% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock or the occurrence of an event described in the prior paragraph, the Board of Directors of Holdings may exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by such person or group which will have become void), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock, or a fractional share of preferred stock (or of a share of a similar class or series of Holdings’ preferred stock having similar rights, preferences and privileges) of equivalent value, per Right (subject to adjustment).

     With certain exceptions, no adjustment in the Purchase Price will be required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% in such Purchase Price. No fractional shares of preferred stock will be issued (other than fractions which are integral multiples of one one-thousandth of a share of preferred stock, which may,

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at the election of Holdings, be evidenced by depositary receipts) and in lieu thereof, an adjustment in cash will be made based on the market price of the preferred stock on the last trading day prior to the date of exercise.

     At any time prior to the time an Acquiring Person becomes such, the Board of Directors of Holdings may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $.01 per Right, appropriately adjusted, or the Redemption Price. The redemption of the Rights may be made effective at such time, on such basis and with such conditions as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may establish. Immediately upon any redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive the Redemption Price.

     For so long at the Rights are then redeemable, Holdings may, in its sole and absolute discretion, except with respect to the Redemption Price, amend the Rights Agreement in any manner. After the Rights are no longer redeemable, Holdings may, except with respect to the Redemption Price, amend the Rights Agreement in any manner that does not adversely affect the interest of holders of the Rights.

     Until a Right is exercised or exchanged, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder of Holdings, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.

The Delaware General Corporation Law

     Holdings is a Delaware corporation subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or the DGCL.(the “DGCL”). Section 203 provides that, subject to certain exceptions specified therein, a Delaware corporation shall not engage in certain “business combinations” with any “interested stockholder” for a three-year period following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder unless (i) the corporation has elected in its certificate of incorporation not to be governed by Section 203 (Holdings has not made such an election), (ii) prior to such time, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, (iii) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced (excluding certain shares), or (iv) at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock thatwhich is not owned by the interested stockholder. The three-year prohibition also does not apply to certain business combinations proposed by an interested stockholder following the announcement or notification of certain extraordinary transactions involving the corporation and a person who had not been an interested stockholder during the previous three years or who became an interested stockholder with the approval of a majority of the corporation’s directors. The term “business combination” is defined generally to include mergers or consolidations between a Delaware corporation and an “interested stockholder,” transactions with an “interested stockholder” involving the assets or stock of the corporation or its majority-owned subsidiaries and transactions thatwhich increase an interested stockholder’s percentage ownership of stock. Except as specified in Section 203 of the DGCL, an “interested stockholder” is defined to include any person, other than the corporation and any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary, that is (x) the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, or (y) is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, at any time within three years immediately prior to the relevant date or (z)(y) the affiliates and associates of any such person.

     Under certain circumstances, Section 203 makes it more difficult for a person who would be an “interested stockholder” to effect various business combinations with a corporation for a three-year period. The provisions of Section 203 may encourage companies interested in acquiring Holdings to negotiate in advance with Holdings’ Board of Directors, because the stockholder approval requirement would be avoided if the Board of Directors approves either the business combination or the transaction thatwhich results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. Such provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in Holdings’ Board of Directors and may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions thatwhich stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

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Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws

     The certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation and the bylawsBylaws contain certain provisions that could make more difficult the acquisition of Holdings by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise.

     Classified Board.Board. The certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation provides that Holdings’ Board of Directors will be divided into three classes of directors, with the classes to be as nearly equal in number as possible. As a result, approximately one-third of the Board of Directors will be elected each year. The classification of directors will have the effect of making it more difficult for stockholders to change the composition of the Holdings’ Board. The certificate

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Certificate of incorporationIncorporation provides that, subject to any rights of holders of preferred stockPreferred Stock or Series Common Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors will be fixed in the manner provided in the bylaws.Bylaws. The certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation and the bylawsBylaws provide that the number of directors will be fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board, but must consist of not less than three directors. In addition, the certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation provides that, subject to any rights of holders of preferred stock,Preferred Stock, and unless the Board otherwise determines, any vacancies will be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, though less than a quorum.

     Removal of Directors.Directors. Under the DGCL, unless otherwise provided in the certificateCertificate of incorporation,Incorporation, directors serving on a classified board may be removed by the stockholders only for cause. In addition, the certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation and the bylawsBylaws provide that directors may be removed only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of holders of at least 75% of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or the (“Voting Stock,Stock”), voting together as a single class.

     Stockholder Action.Action. The certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation and the bylawsBylaws provide that stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting. The certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation and the bylawsBylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders can be called only by Holdings’ Chief Executive Officer or pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board. Stockholders are not permitted to call a special meeting or to require that the Board call a special meeting of stockholders. Moreover, the business permitted to be conducted at any special meeting of stockholders is limited to the business brought before the meeting pursuant to the notice of meeting given by Holdings.

     Advance Notice Procedures.Procedures. The bylawsBylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders to make nominations of candidates for election as directors, or bring other business before an annual or special meeting of the stockholders of Holdings or the Stockholders(the “Stockholders Notice Procedure.Procedure”). The Stockholders Notice Procedure provides that only persons who are nominated by, or at the direction of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, or by a stockholder who has given timely written notice to the Secretary of Holdings prior to the meeting at which directors are to be elected, will be eligible for election as directors of Holdings. The Stockholders Notice Procedure also provides that at an annual meeting only such business may be conducted as has been brought before the meeting pursuant to the notice of meeting delivered by Holdings or by, or at the direction of, the Chairman of the Board or by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has given timely written notice to the Secretary of Holdings of such stockholder’s intention to bring such business before such meeting. Under the Stockholders Notice Procedure, for notice of stockholder nominations to be made at an annual meeting to be timely, such notice must be received by Holdings not less than 70 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting (or, if the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 20 days or delayed by more than 70 days from such anniversary date, not earlier than the 90th day prior to such meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (x) the 70th day prior to such annual meeting orand (y) the 10th day after public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the number of directors to be elected is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors made by Holdings at least 80 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice will be timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it is received by Holdings not later than the 10th day after such public announcement is first made by Holdings. Under the Stockholders Notice Procedure, for notice of a stockholder nomination to be made at a special meeting at which directors are to be elected to be timely, such notice must be received by Holdings not earlier than the 90th day before such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (x) the

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70th day prior to such special meeting orand (y) the 10th day after the public announcement of the date of such special meeting is first made. In addition, under the Stockholders Notice Procedure, a stockholder’s notice to Holdings proposing to nominate a person for election as a director or relating to the conduct of business other than the nomination of directors must contain certain specified information. If the Chairman of the Board or other officer presiding at a meeting determines that a person was not nominated, or other business was not brought before the meeting, in accordance with the Stockholders Notice Procedure, such person will not be eligible for election as a director, or such business will not be conducted at such meeting, as the case may be.

     Liability of Directors; Indemnification.Indemnification. The certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation provides that a director will not be personally liable for monetary damages to Holdings or its stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL, as the same exists or may in the future be amended.DGCL. The certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation also provides that each current or former director, officer, employee or agent of Holdings, or each such person who is or was serving or who had agreed to serve at the request of Holdings as a

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director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust limited liability company or other enterprise (including the heirs, executors, administrators or administratorsestate of such person), will be indemnified by Holdings to the full extent permitted by the DGCL, as the same exists or may in the future be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits Holdings to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted Holdings to provide prior to such amendment). The certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation also specifically authorizes Holdings to enter into agreements with any person providing for indemnification greater or different than that provided by the certificateCertificate of incorporation.

Incorporation.

     Amendment.Amendment. The certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation provides that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, is required to amend provisions of the certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation relating to the prohibition of stockholder action without a meeting; the number, election and term of Holdings’ directors; and the removal of directors. The certificateCertificate of incorporationIncorporation further provides that the bylawsBylaws may be amended by the Board or by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock, voting together as a single class.

     The description set forth above is intended as a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the forms of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws, copies of which are being filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Registrar and Transfer Agent

     The registrar and transfer agent for our common stockthe Common Stock is Equiserve.

Computershare Trust Co. of New York.

Listing

     Holdings’ common stockCommon Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AXL.”

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONSDESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

General

     This

     Under our certificate of incorporation, we are authorized to adopt resolutions providing for the issuance, in one or more series, of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value, with the powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof adopted by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof.
     Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of certainour preferred stock. We urge you to read our certificate of incorporation and the certificate of designations creating your preferred stock because they, and not this description, define your rights as a holder of preferred stock. We have filed our certificate of incorporation and will file the certificate of designations with the SEC. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain copies of these documents.
     The specific material terms of any preferred stock proposed to be sold under this prospectus and an attached prospectus supplement or term sheet will be described in the prospectus supplement or term sheet. If so indicated in the prospectus supplement or term sheet, the terms of the offered preferred stock may differ from the terms set forth below.
General
     Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement or term sheet relating to the offered preferred stock, each series of preferred stock will rank on a parity as to dividends and distribution of assets upon liquidation and in all other respects with all other series of preferred stock. The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable and holders thereof will have no preemptive rights.
     You should read the prospectus supplement or term sheet for the material terms of the preferred stock offered thereby, including the following:
The title and stated value of the preferred stock.
The number of shares of the preferred stock offered, the liquidation preference per share and the offering price of the preferred stock.
The dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to the preferred stock.
The date from which dividends on the preferred stock will accumulate, if applicable.
The liquidation rights of the preferred stock.
The procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any, of the preferred stock.
The sinking fund provisions, if applicable, for the preferred stock.
The redemption provisions, if applicable, for the preferred stock.
Whether the preferred stock will be convertible into or exchangeable for other securities and, if so, the terms and conditions of conversion or exchange, including the conversion price or exchange ratio and the conversion or exchange period (or the method of determining the same).
Whether the preferred stock will have voting rights and the terms thereof, if any.
Whether the preferred stock will be listed on any securities exchange.
Whether the preferred stock will be issued with any other securities and, if so, the amount and terms of these other securities.
Any other specific material terms, preferences or rights of, or limitations or restrictions on, the preferred stock.
     Subject to our certificate of incorporation and to any limitations contained in our outstanding preferred stock, we may issue additional series of preferred stock, at any time or from time to time, with the powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions

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thereof, as our Board of Directors or any duly authorized committee thereof may determine, all without further action of our stockholders, including holders of our then outstanding preferred stock.
     If applicable, the prospectus supplement or term sheet will also contain a discussion of the material United States federal income tax consequencesconsiderations relevant to the offering.
Dividends
     Holders of preferred stock will be entitled to receive cash dividends, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, out of our assets legally available for payment, at the rate and on the dates set forth in the prospectus supplement or term sheet. Each dividend will be payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock books on the notes. This summary is based uponrecord date fixed by our Board of Directors. Dividends, if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and existing and proposed Treasury regulations nowdate set forth in effect, all of which are subject to change (possibly with retroactive effect)the applicable prospectus supplement or differing interpretations. The discussion below deals only with notes held as capital assets and does not purport to deal with persons in special tax situations, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, dealers in securities or currencies, certain United States Expatriates, tax-exempt entities, persons holding notes in a tax-deferred or tax-advantaged account, as a position in a “straddle” or as part of a “hedge,” “conversion” or other risk-reduction transaction for tax purposes. Persons considering the purchase of the notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of the United States federal income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes arising under the laws of any state, local, foreign or other taxing jurisdiction.

term sheet.

     We do not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a holder of notes. In particular, we do not address:

not:

 the United States federal income tax consequences to shareholdersdeclare or pay dividends (except in or partners or beneficiaries of, an entityour stock that is a holder of notes;junior as to dividends and liquidation rights to the preferred stock (“junior stock”)) or make any other distributions on junior stock, or
 
 the United States federal estate, gift or alternative minimum tax consequences of the purchase, ownership or disposition of notes;
 purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire junior stock or set aside funds for that purpose (except in a reclassification or exchange of junior stock through the issuance of other junior stock or with the proceeds of a reasonably contemporaneous sale of junior stock),
     if there are arrearages in dividends or failure in the payment of our sinking fund or redemption obligations on any of our preferred stock and, in the case of the first bullet point above, if dividends in full for the current quarterly dividend period have not been paid or declared on any of our preferred stock.
     Dividends in full may not be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any series of preferred stock unless:
 there are no arrearages in dividends for any state, local or foreign tax consequencespast dividend periods on any series of the purchase, ownership or disposition of notes;preferred stock, and
 
 any United States federal, state, localto the extent that the dividends are cumulative, dividends in full for the current dividend period have been declared or foreign tax consequences of owning or disposing of commonpaid on all preferred stock.

     The United States federal income tax treatment

     Any dividends declared or paid when dividends are not so declared, paid or set apart in full will be shared ratably by the holders of all series of preferred stock in proportion to the respective arrearages and undeclared and unpaid current cumulative dividends. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments that may be in arrears.
Conversion and Exchange
     If the preferred stock will be convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or other securities, the prospectus supplement or term sheet will set forth the terms and conditions of that conversion or exchange, including the conversion price or exchange ratio (or the method of calculating the same), the conversion or exchange period (or the method of determining the same), whether conversion or exchange will be mandatory or at the option of the holder or us, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price or the exchange ratio and provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of the redemption of that preferred stock. These terms may also include provisions under which the number of shares of common stock or the number or amount of other securities to be received by the holders of that preferred stock upon conversion or exchange would be calculated according to the market price of the common stock or those other securities as of a partnertime stated in a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) that holds the notes generally will depend on such partner’s particular circumstances and onprospectus supplement or term sheet.
Liquidation Rights
     In the activitiesevent of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of each series of the partnership. Partnerspreferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets that are available for distribution to stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of any junior stock, liquidating distributions in such partnerships should consult their own tax advisors.

We urge prospective investors to consult their own tax advisorsthe amount set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. If, upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the amounts payable with respect to the tax consequencespreferred stock are not paid in full, the holders of preferred stock of each series will share ratably in the distribution of our assets in proportion to themthe full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled. After payment of the purchase, ownership and disposition of notes in light of their own particular circumstances, including the tax consequences under state, local, foreign and other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in United States federal or other tax laws.

Classificationfull amount of the Notes

     We have received an opinion from our counsel, Shearman & Sterling LLP, that based, in part, upon applicable law and certain financial calculations and projections providedliquidating distribution to such counsel,which they are entitled, the notes will be treated as indebtedness for United States federal income tax purposes and that the notes will be subject to the Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments (to which we refer as the “contingent debt regulations”). Pursuant to the termsholders of the indenture, we and every holder agree (in the absence of administrative pronouncement or judicial ruling to the contrary), for United States federal income tax purposes, to treat the notes as debt instruments that are subject to the contingent debt regulations and topreferred stock will not be bound by our application of the contingent debt regulations to the notes, including our determination of the rate at which interest will be deemed to accrue on the notes and the related “projected payment schedule” determined by us as described below.

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     No statutory or judicial authority directly addresses the treatment of the notes or instruments similar to the notes for United States federal income tax purposes. The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has issued a revenue ruling with respect to instruments having certain features similar to the notes. To the extent the ruling addresses the issue, this ruling supports certain aspects of the treatment as described below. Notwithstanding the issuance of this ruling, the proper application of certain aspects of the contingent debt regulations to the notes is

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entitled to any further participation in any distribution of our assets. Our consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation or corporations or a sale of all or substantially all of our assets will not entirely certain. In addition, no ruling has been or is expectedbe deemed to be sought froma liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us for purposes of these provisions.
Redemption
     If so provided in the IRSprospectus supplement or term sheet, the offered preferred stock may be redeemable in whole or in part at our option at the times and at the redemption prices set forth therein.
     If dividends on any series of preferred stock are in arrears or we have failed to fulfill our sinking fund or redemption obligations with respect to any series of preferred stock, we may not purchase or redeem shares of preferred stock or any other capital stock ranking on a parity with or junior to the United States federal income tax consequences discussed below. The IRS would not be precluded from taking contrary positions. As a result, no assurance can be given thatpreferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor permit any subsidiary to do so, without in either case the IRS will agree with allconsent of the tax characterizations and the tax consequences described below. You should be aware that different treatment from that described below could affect the amount, timing, source and characterholders of income, gain or loss with respect to an investment in the notes. For example, a holder might be required to accrue interest income at a higher or lower rate, might not recognize income, gain or loss upon conversionleast two-thirds of a note into commoneach series of preferred stock and might recognize capital gain or loss upon a taxable disposition of a note. Holders should consult their tax advisors concerning the tax treatment of holding a note.then outstanding;provided,however, that:

     The remainder of this discussion assumes that the notes are treated as indebtedness subject to the contingent debt regulations.

United States Holders

     For purposes of this discussion, a United States Holder is a beneficial owner of the notes who or which is:

 a citizento meet our purchase, retirement or individual residentsinking fund obligations with respect to any series of preferred stock, we may use shares of that preferred stock acquired prior to the United States for United States federal income tax purposes;arrearages or failure of payment and then held as treasury stock, and
 
 a corporation, including any entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
 we may complete the purchase or redemption of shares of preferred stock for which a contract was entered into for any purchase, retirement or sinking fund purposes prior to the arrearages or failure of payment.
Voting Rights
     Except as indicated below or in the prospectus supplement or term sheet, or except as expressly required by applicable law, the holders of the preferred stock will not be entitled to vote. As used herein, the term “applicable preferred stock” means those series of preferred stock to which the provisions described herein are expressly made applicable by resolutions of our Board of Directors.
     If the equivalent of six quarterly dividends payable on any shares of any series of applicable preferred stock are in default (whether or not the dividends have been declared or the defaulted dividends are consecutive), the number of our directors will be increased by two and the holders of all outstanding series of applicable preferred stock, voting as a single class without regard to series, will be entitled to elect the two additional directors until four consecutive quarterly dividends are paid or declared and set apart for payment, if the shares are cumulative, or until all arrearages in dividends and dividends in full for the current quarterly period are paid or declared and set apart for payment, if the shares are non-cumulative, whereupon all voting rights described herein will be divested from the applicable preferred stock. The holders of applicable preferred stock may exercise their special class voting rights at meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or at special meetings for the purpose of electing directors, in either case at which the holders of not less than one-third of the aggregate number of shares of applicable preferred stock are present in person or by proxy.
     The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of any series of preferred stock will be required:
 an estate if its income is subject to United States federal income taxation regardlessfor any amendment of its source;our certificate of incorporation (or the related certificate of designations) that will adversely affect the powers, preferences or rights of the holders of the preferred stock of that series, or
 
 a trust if (1) a United States court can exercise primary supervisionto create any class of stock (or increase the authorized number of shares of any class of stock) that will have preference as to dividends or upon liquidation over its administration and (2) onethe preferred stock of that series or more United States persons havecreate any stock or other security convertible into or exchangeable for or evidencing the authorityright to control allpurchase any stock of its substantial decisions.that class.

     Notwithstanding

     In addition, the preceding sentence, certain trusts in existence on August 20, 1996, and treated as United States persons prior to such date, may also be treated as United States Holders.

Accrual of Interest on the Notes

     Pursuant to the contingent debt regulations, United States Holdersaffirmative vote of the notesholders of a majority of all the shares of our preferred stock then outstanding will be required to accrue interest income onincrease the notes on a constant-yield basis, based on a comparable yield to maturity and as described below, regardless of whether such holders use the cash or accrual method of tax accounting. As such, United States Holders will be required to include interest in income each year in excess of the accruals on the notes for non-tax purposes and in excess of any stated interest payments actually received in that year.

     The contingent debt regulations provide that a United States Holder must accrue anauthorized amount of ordinary interest income, as original issue discount for United States federal income tax purposes, for each accrual period prior to and including the maturity date of the notes that equals:

     1. the product of (i) the adjusted issue price (as defined below) of the notes as of the beginning of the accrual period and (ii) the comparable yield to maturity (as defined below) of the notes, adjusted for the length of the accrual period;
     2. divided by the number of days in the accrual period; and
     3. multiplied by the number of days during the accrual period that the United States Holder held the notes.

     A note’s issue price is the first price at which a substantial amount of the notes is sold to the public, excluding sales to bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers. The adjusted issue price of a debenture is its issue price increased by any interest income previously accrued, determined without regard to any adjustments to interest accruals described below, and decreased by the projected amount of any payments previously made with respect to the notes.

     Shearman & Sterling LLP, our counsel, has advised us that the term “comparable yield” as used in the contingent debt regulations means the annual yield we would pay on a fixed-rate, nonconvertible debt instrumentpreferred stock.

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with no contingent
SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO FOREIGN CURRENCY NOTES
General
     Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet, the Notes will be denominated in U.S. dollars, payments but withof principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will be made in U.S. dollars and payment of the purchase price of the Notes must be made in immediately available funds. If any of the Notes (“Foreign Currency Notes”) are to be denominated or payable in a currency (a “specified currency”) other than U.S. dollars, the following provisions will apply in addition to, and to the extent inconsistent therewith will replace, the description of general terms and conditions otherwise comparableprovisions of Notes set forth in the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in this prospectus.
     A prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to thoseany Foreign Currency Note (which may include information with respect to applicable current foreign exchange controls) is a part of this prospectus and prospectus supplement or term sheet. Any information concerning exchange rates is furnished as a matter of information only and should not be regarded as indicative of the notes. Basedrange of or trends in partfluctuations in currency exchange rates that may occur in the future.
Currencies
     We may offer Foreign Currency Notes denominated and/or payable in a specified currency or specified currencies. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet, purchasers are required to pay for Foreign Currency Notes in the specified currency. At the present time, there are limited facilities in the United States for conversion of U.S. dollars into specified currencies and vice versa, and banks may elect not to offer non-U.S. dollar checking or savings account facilities in the United States. However, if requested on that advice, we haveor prior to the fifth Business Day preceding the date of delivery of the Foreign Currency Notes, or by such other day as determined thatby the comparable yieldagent who presents such offer to purchase Foreign Currency Notes to us, such agent may be prepared to arrange for the notes is 4.58%, compounded semi-annually. The precise mannerconversion of calculatingU.S. dollars into the comparable yield is not entirely clear.

     The contingent debt regulations require that we providespecified currency set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet to United States Holders, solelyenable the purchasers to pay for United States federal income tax purposes, a schedule of the projected amounts of payments (which we refer to as “projected payments”) on the notes. This schedule must produce a yield to maturity that equals the comparable yield. The projected payment schedule includes estimates for certain contingent interest payments and an estimate for a payment at maturity taking into account the conversion feature. In this connection, the fair market value of any common stock (and cash, if any) received by a holder uponForeign Currency Notes. Each such conversion will be treatedmade by the agents on such terms and subject to such conditions, limitations and charges as the agents may from time to time establish in accordance with their regular foreign exchange practices. All costs of exchange will be borne by the purchasers of the Foreign Currency Notes.

     Information about the specified currency in which a contingent payment. The comparable yieldparticular Foreign Currency Note is denominated and/or payable, including historical exchange rates and a description of the projected payment schedulecurrency and any exchange controls, will be set forth in the indenture.applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet.
Payment of Principal and Interest
     The principal of, premium, if any, and interest on Foreign Currency Notes is payable by us in the specified currency. Currently, banks do not generally offer non-U.S. dollar-denominated account facilities in their offices in the United States, Holders alsoalthough they are permitted to do so. Accordingly, a holder of Foreign Currency Notes will be paid in U.S. dollars converted from the specified currency unless the holder is entitled to elect, and does elect, to be paid in the specified currency, or as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet.
     Any U.S. dollar amount to be received by a holder of a Foreign Currency Note will be based on the highest bid quotation in The City of New York received by an agent for us specified in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet (the “Exchange Rate Agent”) at approximately 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on the second Business Day preceding the applicable payment date from three recognized foreign exchange dealers (one of whom may obtainbe the projectedExchange Rate Agent) selected by the Exchange Rate Agent and approved by us for the purchase by the quoting dealer of the specified currency for U.S. dollars for settlement on the payment scheduledate in the aggregate amount of the specified currency payable to all holders of Foreign Currency Notes scheduled to receive U.S. dollar payments and at which the applicable dealer commits to execute a contract. If three bid quotations are not available, payments will be made in the specified currency. All currency exchange costs will be borne by submittingthe holder of the Foreign Currency Note by deductions from such payments.
     Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet, a holder of Foreign Currency Notes may elect to receive payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Foreign Currency Notes in the specified currency by transmitting a written request for such information to us at: American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., One Dauch Drive, Detroit, Michigan 48211-1198, Attention: General Counsel.

     By purchasing the notes, United States Holders agree in the indenture to be bound by our determination of the comparable yield and projected payment schedule and agree to use the comparable yield and projected payments schedule in determining its interest accruals, and the adjustments thereto described below, in respect of the notes for United States federal income tax purposes.

The comparable yield and the projected payment schedule are not used for any purpose other than to determine a holder’s interest accruals and adjustments thereto in respect of the notes for United States federal income tax purposes. They do not constitute a projection or representation regarding the actual amounts payable on the notes.

Adjustments to Interest Accruals on the Notes

     If, during any taxable year, a United States Holder of notes receives actual payments with respect to such notes that, in the aggregate, exceed the total amount of projected payments for that taxable year, the United States Holder will incur a “net positive adjustment” under the contingent debt regulations equal to the amount of such excess. The United States Holder will treat a “net positive adjustment” as additional interest income. For this purpose, the payments in a taxable year include the fair market value of property (including common stock received upon conversion or repurchase of the notes) received in that year.corporate trust

44

     If a United States Holder receives in a taxable year actual payments with respect to the notes that, in the aggregate, are less than the amount of projected payments for that taxable year, the United States Holder will incur a “net negative adjustment” under the contingent debt regulations equal to the amount of such deficit. This negative adjustment will (a) reduce the United States Holder’s interest income on the notes for that taxable year, and (b) to the extent of any excess after the application of (a), give rise to an ordinary loss to the extent of the United States Holder’s interest income on the notes during prior taxable years, reduced to the extent such interest was offset by prior net negative adjustments. Any negative adjustment in excess of the amounts described in (a) and (b) will be carried forward to offset future interest income with respect to the notes or to reduce the amount realized on a sale, exchange, conversion or retirement of the notes.

     If you are a United States Holder that purchases a note for more or less than its adjusted issued price, you should be aware that the contingent debt regulations require you to reasonably allocate the difference between your tax basis and the adjusted issue price to (i) daily portions of original issue discount or (ii) projected payments over the remaining term of the note. You should also be aware that under the contingent debt regulations, general rules for accrual of premium or discount will not apply.

     If a United States Holder’s tax basis in a note is greater than the adjusted issue price of the note, the amount of the difference allocated to a daily portion of original issue discount or to a projected payment will be treated as a negative adjustment on the date the daily portion accrues or the payment is made. On the date of the adjustment, the United States Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the note will be reduced by the amount the United States Holder treats as a negative adjustment.

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     If a United States Holder’s tax basis in a note is less than the adjusted issue price

office of the note, the amountTrustee in The City of the difference allocated to a daily portion of original issue discountNew York on or to a projected payment will be treated as a positive adjustment on the date the daily portion accrues or the payment is made. On the date of the adjustment, the United States Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the note will be increased by the amount the United States Holder treats as a positive adjustment.

     A United States Holder who purchases a note for an amount that is more or less than the adjusted issue price of the note is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the allocation and adjustments described above.

Sale, Exchange, Conversion or Redemption of Notes

     Generally, the sale or exchange of a note or the redemption of a note for cash will result in taxable gain or loss to a United States Holder. As described above, our calculation of the comparable yield and the projected payment schedule for the notes includes the receipt of stock upon conversion as a contingent payment with respectprior to the notes. Accordingly, we intendregular record date or at least fifteen calendar days prior to treat the receipt of common stock by a United States Holder upon the conversion of a noteMaturity Date, as a payment under the contingent debt regulations. As described above, a United States Holder agrees to be bound by our determination of the comparable yield and projected payment schedule. Under this treatment, a conversion of a note into common stock also will result in taxable gain or loss to a United States Holder.

     The amount of gain or loss on a sale, exchange, conversion or redemption of a note will be equal to the difference between (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any other property received by the United States Holder, including the fair market value of any common stock received, and (b) the United States Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the note.

     A United States Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a note generally will be equal to the United States Holder’s original purchase price for the debenture, increased by any interest income previously accrued by the United States Holder (determined without regard to any adjustments to interest accruals described above) and decreased by the amount of any projected payments that previously have been scheduled to be made in respect of the notes (without regard to the actual amount paid).

     Gain recognized upon a sale, exchange, conversion or redemption of a note generally will be treated as ordinary interest income; any loss will be ordinary loss to the extent of interest previously included in income, and thereafter capital loss (which will be long-term if the note is held for more than one year). The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

     A United States Holder’s tax basis in common stock received upon a conversion of a note will equal the then current fair market value of such common stock. The United States Holder’s holding period for the common stock received will commence on the day immediately following the date of conversion.

Constructive Dividends to Holders of Notes

     If at any time we were to make a distribution of property to our stockholders that would be taxable to the stockholders as a dividend for United States federal income tax purposes and, in accordance with the anti-dilution provisions of the notes, the conversion rate of the notes were increased, such increase might be deemed to be the payment of a taxable dividend to holders of the notes.

     For example, an increase in the conversion rate in the event of distributions of our evidences of indebtedness or our assets or an increase in the event of cash dividends might result in deemed dividend treatment to holders of the notes, but an increase in the event of stock dividends or the distribution of rights to subscribe for common stock generally would not.

     Since under the notes there are increases in the conversion rate in the case may be. This request may be in writing (mailed or hand delivered) or sent by cable, telex or other form of cash dividends to stockholders, these adjustments might result in deemed dividends to United States Holders as described above, or, because the notes are subject to the contingent debt regulations, such adjustments might result in income upon conversion or earlier at the time of such adjustment.

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Non-United States Holders

     As used herein, the term “Non-United States Holder” means a beneficialfacsimile transmission. A holder of a note that is, for United States federal income tax purposes:

• an individual who is classified as a nonresident for United States federal income tax purposes;
• a foreign corporation; or
• an estate or trust that is not a United States estate or trust, as described above.

     All payments on the notes madeForeign Currency Note may elect to a Non-United States Holder, including payments of contingent interest, areceive payment in common stock pursuant to a conversion (other than the portion attributable to certain taxable adjustments to the conversion rate), and any gain realized on a sale or exchange of the notes, will be exempt from United States federal income or withholding tax, provided that: (i) such Non-United States Holder does not own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of the total combined voting power ofspecified currency for all classes of our stock entitled to vote, is not a controlled foreign corporation related, directly or indirectly, to us through stock ownership, and is not a bank receiving certain types of interest; (ii) the statement requirement set forth in section 871(b) or section 881(c) of the Code has been fulfilled with respect to the beneficial owner, as discussed below; (iii) such payments and gain are not effectively connected with the conduct by such Non-United States Holder of a trade or business in the United States; (iv) our common stock continues to be actively traded within the meaning of section 871(h)(4)(C)(v)(I) of the Code (which, for these purposes and subject to certain exceptions, includes trading on the New York Stock Exchange); and (v) we are not and have not been a United States real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”) within the meaning of section 897(c) (2) of the Code. We believe that we are not and have never been, nor do we anticipate becoming, a USRPHC.

     The statement requirement referred to in the preceding paragraph will be fulfilled if the beneficial owner of a debenture certifies on IRS Form W-8BEN (or successor form), under penalties of perjury, that it is not a United States person and provides its name and address or otherwise satisfies applicable documentation requirements. If a Non-United States Holder of the notes is engaged in a trade or business in the United States, and if interest on the notes is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business, the Non-United States Holder, although exempt from the withholding tax discussed in the preceding paragraph, will generally be subject to regular United States federal income tax on interest and on any gain realized on the sale, exchange or conversion of the notes in the same manner as if it were a United States Holder. In lieu of the certificate described in the preceding paragraph, such a Non-United States Holder would be required to provide to the withholding agent a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor form) in order to claim an exemption from withholding tax. In addition, if such a Non-United States Holder is a foreign corporation, such holder may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate provided by an applicable treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to certain adjustments.

     Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, if a Non-United States Holder of a note were deemed to have received a constructive dividend (see “United States Holders — Constructive Dividends to Holders of Notes” above), the Non-United States Holder generally would be subject to United States withholding tax at a 30% rate on the taxable amount of such dividend, subject to reduction by an applicable treaty, or upon the receipt of IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor form) from the Non-United States Holder claiming that the deemed receipt of the constructive dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business.

Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting

     Payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest (including original issue discountpayments and need not file a separate election for each payment. This election will remain in effect until revoked by written notice to the Trustee, but written notice of any revocation must be received by the Trustee on or prior to the regular record date or at least fifteen calendar days prior to the Maturity Date, as the case may be. Holders of Foreign Currency Notes whose Notes are to be held in the name of a broker or nominee should contact their brokers or nominees to determine whether and how an election to receive payments in the specified currency may be made.

     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet, if the specified currency is other than U.S. dollars, a beneficial owner of the related global security who elects to receive payments of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest, if any, in the specified currency must notify its participant through which it owns its beneficial interest on or prior to the applicable record date or at least fifteen calendar days prior to the Maturity Date, as the case may be, of such beneficial owner’s election. The participant must notify the depositary of such election on or prior to the third Business Day after such record date or at least 12 calendar days prior to the Maturity Date, as the case may be, and the depositary will notify the Trustee of such election on or prior to the fifth Business Day after such record date or at least ten calendar days prior to the Maturity Date, as the case may be. If complete instructions are received by the participant from the beneficial owner and forwarded by the participant to the depositary, and by the depositary to the Trustee, on or prior to such dates, then the beneficial owner will receive payments in the specified currency. See “Description of Debt Securities—Global Securities” in the accompanying prospectus.
     Principal and interest on Foreign Currency Notes paid in U.S. dollars will be paid in the manner specified in the accompanying prospectus supplement or term sheet and this prospectus with respect to Notes denominated in U.S. dollars. Interest on Foreign Currency Notes paid in the specified currency will be paid by check mailed on an Interest Payment Date other than a Maturity Date to the persons entitled thereto to the addresses of such holders as they appear in the security register or, at our option, by wire transfer to a bank account maintained by the holder in the country of the specified currency. The principal of, premium, if any, and interest on Foreign Currency Notes, together with interest accrued and unpaid thereon, due on the Maturity Date will be paid, in the specified currency in immediately available funds upon surrender of such Notes at the corporate trust office of the Trustee in The City of New York, or, at our option, by wire transfer to such bank account of immediately available funds to an account with a bank designated at least 15 calendar days prior to the Maturity Date by the applicable registered holder, provided the particular bank has appropriate facilities to make these payments and the particular Foreign Currency Note is presented and surrendered at the office or agency maintained by us for this purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, in time for the Trustee to make these payments in accordance with its normal procedures.
Payment Currency
     If a specified currency is not available for the payment of principal, premium or interest with respect to a Foreign Currency Note due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond our control, we will be entitled to satisfy our obligations to holders of Foreign Currency Notes by making such payment in common stock pursuant to a conversion of a note)U.S. dollars on and the proceeds of dispositionsbasis of the notes may be subject to information reporting and United States federal backup withholding taxnoon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers of the specified currency as certified for customs purposes (or, if not so certified, as otherwise determined) by the United States Holder thereof fails to supply an accurate taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with applicable United States information reporting or certification requirements. A Non-United States Holder may be subject to United States backup withholding tax on paymentsFederal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Market Exchange Rate”) as computed by the Exchange Rate Agent on the notes andsecond Business Day prior to such payment or, if not then available, on the proceeds from a sale or other dispositionbasis of the notes unlessmost recently available Market Exchange Rate or as otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet. Any payment made under these circumstances in U.S. dollars where the Non-United States Holder compliesrequired payment is in a specified currency will not constitute a default under the indenture with certification proceduresrespect to establish that it is not a United States person. The certification procedures confirming foreign status requiredthe Notes.
     All determinations referred to above made by the Exchange Rate Agent will be at its sole discretion and will, in the absence of Non-United Statesmanifest error, be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the holders of the Foreign Currency Notes.
AS INDICATED ABOVE, AN INVESTMENT IN FOREIGN CURRENCY NOTES OR CURRENCY INDEXED NOTES INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISKS, AND THE EXTENT AND NATURE OF SUCH RISKS CHANGE CONTINUOUSLY. AS WITH ANY INVESTMENT IN A SECURITY,

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Holders to claim the exemption from withholding tax on certain payments on the notes, described above, will satisfy the certification requirements necessary to avoid backup withholding tax as well. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts so withheld will be allowed as a credit against a United States Holder’s United States federal income tax liability and may entitle a holder to a refund, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN FINANCIAL AND LEGAL ADVISORS AS TO THE RISKS ENTAILED IN AN INVESTMENT IN FOREIGN CURRENCY NOTES OR CURRENCY INDEXED NOTES. SUCH NOTES ARE NOT AN APPROPRIATE INVESTMENT FOR PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS WHO ARE UNSOPHISTICATED WITH RESPECT TO FOREIGN CURRENCY MATTERS.

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SELLING SECURITYHOLDERSSECURITY HOLDERS

     Holdings initially issued warrants for the shares of common stock of Holdings to GM pursuant to the Warrant Agreement. We originally issuedare registering the notescommon stock warrants and the underlying warrant shares pursuant to registration rights granted in a private placement in February 2004.connection with the initial grant of the warrants.
     We are registering 4,093,729 common stock warrants and the 4,093,729 underlying warrant shares on behalf of the selling stockholders. The notes were resoldcommon stock warrants may only be transferred by the initial purchaserselling stockholders to an affiliate of the notes in the United Statesselling stockholders or to qualifiedan institutional buyers under Rule 144A“accredited investor” as defined under the Securities Act. Selling securityholders may offer and sell the notes and the underlying common stockAct of 1933, as amended or pursuant to this prospectus.

The following table sets forth information as

     No offer or sale under this prospectus may be made by a holder of July 6, 2004 about the original principal amount of notes and the underlyingour common stock beneficially owned by each selling securityholderuntil that may be offered usingholder has notified us and, if required, we have filed a supplement to this prospectus.
                 
Principal Amount
of NotesNumber of Shares ofPercentage of
Beneficially OwnedPercentage ofCommon Stock ThatCommon Stock
Name of Selling SecurityholderThat May Be SoldNotes OutstandingMay Be Sold(1)Outstanding(2)





American Investors Life Insurance Company(3) $400,000.00   *   7,217   * 
Advisory Convertible Arbitrage Fund (I) L.P.(4) $1,300,000.00   *   23,455   * 
Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company(5) $485,000.00   *   8,750   * 
AmerUs Life Insurance Company(3) $5,300,000.00   3.53%  95,623   * 
Arkansas PERS(6) $555,000.00   *   10,013   * 
Bancroft Convertible Fund, Inc.(7) $1,000,000.00   *   18,042   * 
Bankers Life Insurance Company of New York(3) $100,000.00   *   1,804   * 
Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.(8) $500,000.00   *   9,021   * 
Black Diamond Convertible Offshore LDC(9) $2,034,000.00   1.36%  36,698   * 
Black Diamond Offshore Ltd.(9) $1,273,000.00   *   22,968   * 
Chrysler Corporation Master Retirement Trust(10) $2,215,000.00   1.48%  39,963   * 
Citadel Credit Trading Ltd.(11) $3,680,000.00   2.45%  66,395   * 
Citadel Equity Fund Ltd.(11) $28,320,000.00   18.88%  510,952   * 
Citi JL, Ltd(12) $62,000.00   *   1,119   * 
CNH CA Master Account, L.P.(13) $200,000.00   *   3,608   * 
Common Fund Event Driven Co. Ltd(12) $47,000.00   *   848   * 
Convertible Securities Fund(14) $11,000.00   *   198   * 
Credit Suisse First Boston Europe Limited(15) $2,000,000.00   1.33%  36,084   * 
CSS, LLC(16) $1,000,000.00   *   18,042   * 
DBAG London(17) $100,000.00   *   1,804   * 
DB Equity Strategies Master Portfolio Ltd.(18) $400,000.00   *   7,217   * 
Delta Air Lines Master Trust — CV(10) $560,000.00   *   10,104   * 
Delta Pilots Disability & Survivorship Trust — CV(10) $270,000.00   *   4,871   * 
Dodeca Fund, L.P.(3) $965,000.00   *   17,411   * 
Double Black Diamond Offshore
LDC(9)
 $6,479,000.00   4.32%  116,895   * 
Ellsworth Convertible Growth and Income Fund, Inc.(7) $1,000,000.00   *   18,042   * 

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Principal Amount
of NotesNumber of Shares ofPercentage of
Beneficially OwnedPercentage ofCommon Stock ThatCommon Stock
Name of Selling SecurityholderThat May Be SoldNotes OutstandingMay Be Sold(1)Outstanding(2)





Goldman, Sachs & Co.(19) $27,500,000.00   18.33%  496,158   * 
HFR CA Select Fund(20) $1,000,000.00   *   18,042   * 
Indianapolis Life Insurance Company(3) $11,200,000.00   7.47%  202,072   * 
Inflective Convertible Opportunity Fund I, L.P.(3) $35,000.00   *   631   * 
International Truck & Engine Corporation Non-Contributory Retirement Plan Trust(10) $295,000.00   *   5,322   * 
International Truck & Engine Corporation Retiree Health Benefit Trust(10) $280,000.00   *   5,052   * 
International Truck & Engine Corporation Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees Trust(10) $140,000.00   *   2,526   * 
JMG Capital Partners L.P.(21) $750,000.00   *   13,532   * 
JMG Triton Offshore Fund, LTD(22) $750,000.00   *   13,532   * 
KBC Financial Products USA Inc.(23) $750,000.00   *   13,532   * 
Levco Alternative Fund, Ltd(12) $2,249,000.00   1.50%  40,577   * 
Lighthouse Multi-Strategy Master Fund LP(24) $5,000.00   *   90   * 
Louisiana CCRF(6) $40,000.00   *   722   * 
Lyxor/JLC Fund, Ltd(12) $165,000.00   *   2,977   * 
Lyxor/Quest Fund Ltd.(24) $25,000.00   *   451   * 
Man Convertible Bond Master Fund, Ltd.(25) $1,891,000.00   1.26%  34,118   * 
Microsoft Corporation(10) $1,850,000.00   1.23%  33,378   * 
Motion Picture Industry Health Plan — Active Member Fund(10) $135,000.00   *   2,436   * 
Motion Picture Industry Health Plan — Retiree Member Fund(10) $105,000.00   *   1,894   * 
Nations Convertible Securities Fund(26) $2,239,000.00   1.49%  40,396   * 
Nicholas Applegate Capital Management U.S. Investment Grade Convertible Mutual Fund(5) $15,000.00   *   271   * 
Nomura Securities International, Inc.(27) $11,000,000.00   7.33%  198,463   * 
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company(28) $4,000,000.00   2.67%  72,168   * 
Oaktree Capital Convertible Trust(10) $1,080,000.00   *   19,485   * 
Oaktree Capital Global Convertible Securities Fund(10) $75,000.00   *   1,353   * 
Partner Reinsurance Company Ltd.(10) $475,000.00   *   8,570   * 
Purchase Associates, L.P.(12) $291,000.00   *   5,250   * 
Purchase Associates II, L.P.(12) $186,000.00   *   3,356   * 
Putnam Convertible Income-Growth Trust(29) $3,900,000.00   2.60%  70,364   * 

45


                 
Principal Amount
of NotesNumber of Shares ofPercentage of
Beneficially OwnedPercentage ofCommon Stock ThatCommon Stock
Name of Selling SecurityholderThat May Be SoldNotes OutstandingMay Be Sold(1)Outstanding(2)





Pyramid Equity Strategies Fund(18) $100,000.00   *   1,804   * 
Quest Global Convertible Fund Ltd.(24) $70,000.00   *   1,263   * 
San Diego County Employee Retirement Association(20) $2,500,000.00   1.67%  45,105   * 
St. Thomas Trading, Ltd.(25) $3,109,000.00   2.07%  56,093   * 
State Employees’ Retirement Fund of the State of Delaware(10) $630,000.00   *   11,367   * 
The Animi Master Fund, Ltd.(30) $500,000.00   *   9,021   * 
The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc. — Commercial Lines(10) $105,000.00   *   1,894   * 
The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc. — Personal Lines(10) $75,000.00   *   1,353   * 
Thrivent Financial For Lutherans(31) $700,000.00   *   12,629   * 
UnumProvident Corporation(10) $205,000.00   *   3,699   * 
Wachovia Capital Markets LLC(32) $1,800,000.00   1.20%  32,476   * 
Wachovia Securities International LTD(33) $750,000.00   *   13,532   * 
White River Securities L.L.C.(34) $500,000.00   *   9,021   * 
Worldwide Transactions Limited(9) $214,000.00   *   3,861   * 
Zazove Convertible Arbitrage Fund, L.P.(35) $3,000,000.00   2.00%  54,126   * 
Zazove Hedged Convertible Fund, L.P.(35) $2,650,000.00   1.77%  47,812   * 
Zazove Income Fund, L.P.(35) $1,500,000.00   1.00%  27,063   * 
Zurich Institutional Benchmarks Master Fund Ltd.(20) $1,400,000.00   *   25,259   * 
Total**
 $150,000,000.00   100.00%  2,706,135   5.18%


Less than 1%.

** The sum of the listed principal amount of notes beneficially owned by selling securityholders is actually more than $150,000,000 because certain of the selling securityholders may have transferred notes pursuant to Rule 144A or otherwise reduced their position prior to selling pursuant to this prospectus and as a result we have received beneficial ownership information from additional selling securityholders. The maximum principal amount of notes that may be sold under this prospectus will not exceed $150,000,000.

(1) Assumes conversion of all of the holder’s notes at a conversion rate of 18.0421 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the notes. However, this conversion rate will be subject to adjustment as described under “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights.” As a result, the amount of common stock is issuable upon conversion of the notes may increase or decrease in the future.
(2) Calculated based on 52,240,316 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2004. In calculating these percentages for each holder of notes, we also treated as outstanding that number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of that holder’s notes. However, we did not assume the conversion of any other holder’s notes.
(3) Thomas J. Ray, President and Chief Investment Officer of Inflective Asset Management, LLC, has power to direct the voting and disposition of the securities held by the selling securityholders.
(4) The managing member of Advisory Convertible Arbitrage Fund (I) L.P. is Advisory Capital Strategies Group, Inc. Advisory Capital Strategies Group, Inc. is majority owned by American Express Management

46


Group, Inc., which is a part of American Express Company, a publicly-held company. John Everhart, Vice President and Portfolio Manager has power to direct the voting and disposition of the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(5) Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management (“Nicholas-Applegate”) is the investment advisor and has power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by the selling securityholders. Horacio Valeiras is the chief investment officer of Nicholas-Applegate and has oversight authority over all portfolio managers at Nicholas-Applegate.
(6) Ann Houlihan has power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by the selling securityholders.
(7) Bancroft Convertible Fund, Inc. is a registered investment company that is publicly held. Gary Levine, Chief Financial Officer, has power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by the selling securityholders.
(8) Yan Erlick, Senior Managing Director, has power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.
(9) Carlson Capital, L.P. is the investment advisor to the selling securityholders. Clint D. Carlson has power to direct voting and disposition of securities held by the selling securityholders.

(10) Oaktree Capital Management LLC (“Oaktree”) is the investment manager and has power to direct the voting and disposition of the securities for each selling securityholder. Lawrence Keele is a principal of Oaktree and is the portfolio manager for the selling securityholders.
(11) Citadel Limited Partnership is the trading manager and has power to direct the voting and disposition of the securities held by selling securityholders. Kenneth C. Griffin indirectly controls Citadel Limited Partnership and therefore has ultimate investment discretion.
(12) John A. Levin and Co. Inc. or its wholly owned subsidiary, Levco GP, Inc. has sole or shared power to direct the voting and disposition of the securities held by the selling securityholders. John A. Levin and Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of BKF Capital Group, a publicly held company and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Henry Levin is Senior Portfolio Manager.
(13) CNH Partners, LLC is the investment advisor and has power to direct the voting and disposition of the securities held by CNH CA Master Account, L.P. The investment principals of CNH Partners, LLC are Robert Krail, Mark Mitchell, and Todd Pulvino.
(14) Sandy Norseworthy has power to direct the voting and disposition of the securities held by Convertible Securities Fund.
(15) Gerry Murtagh has power to direct the voting and disposition of the securities held by Credit Suisse First Boston Europe Limited.
(16) Michael J. Carusillo and Clayton A. Struve have the power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by CSS, LLC.
(17) Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. has power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by DBAG London. The controlling shareholder of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is Dan Azzi.
(18) Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas has power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by the selling securityholders. The controlling shareholder of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas is Eric Lobben.
(19) Raanan Agus has power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by Goldman, Sachs & Co.
(20) Gene T. Prelti has power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by the selling securityholders.
(21) The general partner and manager of JMG Capital Partners L.P. is JMG Capital Management LLC (the “Manager”). The Manager has voting and dispositive power over JMG Capital Partners’ investments. The equity interests of the Manager are owned by JMG Capital Management, Inc. Jonathan Glaser is the Executive Officer and Director of JMG Capital Management, Inc. and has sole investment discretion over JMG Capital Partners’ portfolio holdings.

47


(22) Pacific Assets Management LLC (the “Manager”) is the investment manager for JMG Triton Offshore Fund, Ltd. (the “Fund”) and has voting and dispositive power over the Fund’s investments. The equity interests in the Manager are owned by Pacific Capital Management, Inc. (“Pacific”) and Asset Alliance Holding Corp. The equity interests of Pacific are owned by Roger Richter, Jonathan Glaser and Daniel David. Roger Richter and Jonathan Glaser have sole investment discretion over the Fund’s portfolio holdings.
(23) KBC Financial Products USA Inc. exercises voting and investment control over any shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes owned by KBC Financial Products USA Inc. Luke Edwards, Managing Director, exercises voting and investment control on behalf of KBC Financial Products USA Inc.
(24) Frank Campana, Chief Investment Officer, has power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by the selling securityholders.
(25) Marin Capital Partners, LP is the investment advisor and has power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by the selling securityholders. The principals of Marin Capital Partners, LP are John Null and J.T. Hansen.
(26) Lorraine Young has power to direct voting and disposition of securities held by Nations Convertible Securities Fund.
(27) Robert Citrano has power to direct voting and disposition of securities held by Nomura Securities International, Inc.
(28) Northwestern Investment Management Company, LLC (“NIMC”) is the investment advisors to the selling securityholder with respect to the securities. Jerome R. Baier is a portfolio manager for NIMC and manages the portfolio that holds the securities.
(29) David L. King, Portfolio Manager, has power to direct voting and disposition of securities held by Putnam Convertible Income-Growth Trust.
(30) Ken McKenzie, Portfolio Manager, has power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by the selling securityholders.
(31) John Pickening, Portfolio Manager, has the power to direct the voting and disposition of securities held by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
(32) Eric Grant, Portfolio Manager, has power to direct voting and disposition of securities held by Wachovia Capital Markets LLC.
(33) Eric Payton, Portfolio Manager, has power to direct voting and disposition of securities held by Wachovia Securities International LTD.
(34) David Liebowitz and Yan Erlikh have power to direct voting and disposition of securities held by White River Securities L.L.C.
(35) John Zerweck, Portfolio Manager, has power to direct voting and disposition of securities held by the selling securityholders.

     To the extent that any of the selling securityholders identified above are broker-dealers, they are deemed to be, under interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

     With respect to selling securityholders that are affiliates of broker-dealers, such entities have indicated to us that they acquired their notes or underlying common stock in the ordinary course of business and, at the time of the purchase of the notes or the underlying common stock, such selling securityholders had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the notes or underlying common stock. To the extent that we become aware that such entities did not acquire their notes or underlying common stock in the ordinary course of business or did have such an agreement or understanding, we will file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus formsis a part has become effective. We will supplement or amend this prospectus to designate such affiliateinclude additional selling stockholders upon request and upon provision of all required information to us. We will provide to each named selling stockholder copies of this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement and will take certain other actions as an “underwriter” within the meaningare required to permit unrestricted resales of the shares of common stock offered hereby. A holder that sells shares by means of this prospectus will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act.

48


     We prepared this table based onAct of 1933 in connection with such sales and will be bound by the information suppliedprovisions of the registration rights provisions of the warrant agreement that are applicable to us bysuch a holder (including certain indemnification rights and obligations).

     The selling securityholders named instockholders may offer and sell any or all of their common stock warrants and warrant shares at any time and from time to time. Because the table. No selling securityholderstockholders may offer all or only some portion or none of their common stock warrants and warrant shares, we cannot estimate the amount or percentage of common stock that the selling stockholders will hold upon termination of the offering.
     The selling stockholder has not held any position, or office or had any other material relationship with us or our affiliates during the past three years. The selling securityholders listedyears other than as disclosed in this prospectus or in the above table may have sold or transferred, in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, some or all of their notes since the date as of which the information is presented in the above table.

     Because the selling securityholders may offer all or some of their notes or the underlying common stock from time to time, we cannot estimate the amount of notes or the underlying common stock that will be helddocuments incorporated by the selling securityholders upon the termination of any particular offering. See “Plan of Distribution.”reference.

47

     Only selling securityholders identified above who beneficially own the notes set forth opposite each such selling securityholder’s name in the foregoing table on the effective date of the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, may sell such securities pursuant to the registration statement.

49


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     We will not receive any ofand/or a selling security holder may sell the proceeds of the sale of the notes and the underlying common stock offered by this prospectus. The notes and the underlying common stock may be sold from time to time to purchasers:

securities:

through agents;
 directly by the selling securityholders;to or through underwriters; or
 
 through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents who may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling securityholders or the purchasers of the notes and the underlying common stock.directly to other purchasers.

     The selling securityholders

     Any underwriters or agents will be identified and their discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation and any securities exchanges on which the securities are listed will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet.
     We and/or a selling security holder (directly or through agents) may sell, and the underwriters broker-dealersmay resell, the offered securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
     In order to facilitate the offering of the debt securities, the underwriters or agents may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the debt securities and our common stock. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters or agents of a greater number of debt securities than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ or agents’ option to purchase additional debt securities from us in the offering. The underwriters or agents may close out any covered short position by either exercising the option to purchase additional debt securities or purchasing debt securities in the open market. In determining the source of debt securities to close out the covered short position, the underwriters or agents will consider, among other things, the price of debt securities available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase debt securities through the option. “Naked” short sales are sales in excess of the option. The underwriters or agents must close out any naked short position by purchasing debt securities in open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters or agents are concerned that there may be a downward pressure on the price of the debt securities in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids for or purchases of the debt securities made by the underwriters or agents in the open market prior to the completion of the offering. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the debt securities above independent market levels. The underwriters or agents are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.
     In connection with the sale of offered securities, the underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us, from selling security holders or from purchasers of the offered securities for whom they may act as agents. The underwriters may sell offered securities to or through dealers, who may also receive compensation from purchasers of the offered securities for whom they may act as agents. Compensation may be in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the notes and the underlying common stockoffered securities may be deemed to be “underwriters” withinunderwriters as defined in the meaning of the Securities Act. As a result, any profits on the sale of the underlying common stock by selling securityholdersAct, and any discounts commissions or concessionscommissions received by them from us and any such broker-dealers or agentsprofit on the resale of the offered securities by them may be deemed to betreated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. If
     We and/or a selling security holder will indemnify the selling securityholders were deemedunderwriters and agents against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Act, or contribute to be underwriters, the selling securityholderspayments they may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.
     Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or our affiliates in the ordinary course of their businesses.
     If so indicated in the prospectus supplement or term sheet relating to a particular series or issue of offered securities, we will authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the offered securities from us under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery at a future date. These contracts will be subject to liabilities including, but not limitedonly to those of Sections 11, 12 and 17 ofconditions set forth in the Securities Act and Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act.

     If the notesprospectus supplement or term sheet, and the underlying common stock are sold through underwritersprospectus supplement or broker-dealers,term sheet will set forth the selling securityholders will be responsiblecommission payable for underwriting discounts or commissions or agent’s commissions.

     The notes and the underlying common stock may be sold in one or more transactions at:

• fixed prices;
• prevailing market prices at the time of sale;
• varying prices determined at the time of sale; or
• negotiated prices.

     These sales may be effected in transactions:

• on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the notes and underlying common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, including the New York Stock Exchange in the case of the common stock;
• in the over-the-counter market;
• in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market; or
• through the writing of options.

     These transactions may include block transactions or crosses. Crosses are transactions in which the same broker acts as an agent on both sidessolicitation of the transaction.these contracts.

48

     In connection with the sales of the notes and the underlying common stock or otherwise, the selling securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers. These broker-dealers may in turn engage in short sales of the notes and the underlying common stock in the course of hedging their positions. The selling securityholders may also sell the notes and the underlying common stock short and deliver the notes and the underlying common stock to close out short positions, or loan or pledge notes and the underlying common stock to broker-dealers that, in turn, may sell the notes and the underlying common stock.

     To our knowledge, there are currently no plans, arrangements or understandings between any selling securityholders and any underwriter, broker-dealer or agent regarding the sale of the notes and the underlying common stock by the selling securityholders. Selling securityholders may decide not to sell all or a portion of the notes and the underlying common stock offered by them pursuant to this prospectus or may decide not to sell notes or the underlying common stock under this prospectus. In addition, any selling securityholder may transfer, devise or give the notes and the underlying common stock by other means not described in this prospectus. Any notes or underlying common stock covered by this prospectus that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 or

50


Rule 144A of the Securities Act, or Regulation S under the Securities Act, may be sold under Rule 144 or Rule 144A or Regulation S rather than pursuant to this prospectus.

     Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AXL.” We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange or for quotation through Nasdaq. The notes originally issued in the private placement are eligible for trading on The Portal Market. However, notes sold pursuant to this prospectus will no longer be eligible for trading on The Portal Market. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the development of liquidity or any trading market for the notes.

     The selling securityholders and any other persons participating in the distribution of the notes or underlying common stock will be subject to the Exchange Act. The Exchange Act rules include, without limitation, Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the notes and the underlying common stock by the selling securityholders and any such other person. In addition, Regulation M of the Exchange Act may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the notes and the underlying common stock to engage in market-making activities with respect to the particular notes and underlying common stock being distributed for a period of up to five business days prior to the commencement of such distribution. This may affect the marketability of the notes and the underlying common stock and the ability to engage in market-making activities with respect to the notes and the underlying common stock.

     Under the registration rights agreement that has been filed as an exhibit to this registration statement, we agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to keep the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part effective until the earliest of (i) the sale of all outstanding registrable securities registered under the shelf registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, (ii) the expiration of the period referred to in Rule 144(k) of the Securities Act with respect to the notes held by our non-affiliates or (iii) two years after the effective date of the shelf registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

     We are permitted to suspend the use of this prospectus in connection with the sale of securities pursuant to this prospectus under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions for a period not to exceed a total of 45 days in any three-month period and not to exceed an aggregate of 120 days in any 12-month period. During the time periods when the use of this prospectus is suspended, each selling securityholder has agreed not to sell notes or shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes. We also agreed to pay liquidated damages to certain holders of the notes and shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes if the prospectus is unavailable for periods in excess of those permitted.

     Under the registration rights agreement, we and the selling securityholders will each indemnify the other against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act, or will be entitled to contribution in connection with these liabilities.

We have agreed to pay substantially all of the expenses incidental to the registration, offering and sale of the notes and the underlying common stock to the public other than commissions, fees and discounts of underwriters, brokers, dealers and agents.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the notes offered herebysecurities will be passed upon for us by Shearman & Sterling LLP, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York.York, New York 10022.

EXPERTS

      The financial statements, and the related financial statement schedule, incorporated in this offering memorandumprospectus by reference from Holdings’the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20032008, and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent auditors,registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports (which reports (1) express an unqualified opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule and includes explanatory paragraphs relating to: uncertainties which raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the adoption on December 31, 2006 of the balance sheet provisions of SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Provision and Other Postretirement Plans; the adoption on January 1, 2007 of the measurement date provisions of SFAS No. 158 and FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes; the change on January 1, 2008 to a preferred method for costing U.S. inventories from the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method to the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method; and the change during the year ended December 31, 2008 to a preferred method of balance sheet accounting related to cost sharing provisions associated with the Company’s other post retirement benefit obligations, and (2) express an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting), which are incorporated herein by reference,reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedule have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

49

51


(AAM LOGO)
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
Debt Securities
Guarantees
Warrants to Purchase Debt Securities
Warrants to Purchase Common Stock
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
PROSPECTUS
___________________________


EXHIBIT A
Date:                   
Term Sheet
To Prospectus dated
, 2009
Original Issue Date:
Maturity Date:
Principal Amount:
Interest Rate:
          Fixedo
          Floatingo
          Interest Rate Basis:
          Index Maturity:
          Spread:
          Initial Interest Determination Date:
          Interest Determination Dates:
          Interest Reset Dates:
Day Count Convention:
Interest Payments Dates:
Record Dates if different:
Redemption Provisions:
          Treasury Makewhole Spread:
          Redemption Dates:
Plan of Distribution:


PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
     
Item 14.Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table setsets forth the costs and expenses payable by us in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered.registered, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. All of the amounts shown are estimates, except the SecuritiesSEC registration fee.

     
SEC registration fee $28,530 
Printing and engraving  25,000 
Legal fees and expenses  100,000 
Accounting fees  10,000 
Trustees fees  5,000 
    
 
Total $168,530 
    
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Exchange Commission registration fee.
      
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee $19,005.00 
Printing and engraving fees $25,000.00 
Accountant’s fees and expenses $10,000.00 
Legal fees and expenses $100,000.00 
Miscellaneous expenses $0.00 
   
 
 Total $154,005.00 
   
 
Officers.
Item 15.Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Limitation On Liability Of Directors

     Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) permits corporations to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of a fiduciary duty of care as a director. Pursuant to this authority conferred by Section 102 of the DGCL, Article 6 of the certificate of incorporation of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”) and Article 9 of the restated certificate of incorporation of American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (“AAM” and, together with Holdings, the “Registrants”) eliminates the personal liability of the Registrants’ directors to either of the Registrants or their respective stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty to the extent that such exemption from liability is permitted under the DGCL.

Indemnification, Expenses And Insurance

     Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation mayGeneral Corporation Law of Delaware authorizes the Registrant to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the rightits directors and officers under specified circumstances. Article Twelfth of the corporation) by reasonCertificate of Incorporation of the factRegistrant provides in effect that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agentthe Registrant shall provide certain indemnification of its directors and officers.

     Section 145 of the corporation,General Corporation Law of Delaware also authorizes the Registrant to indemnify persons who serve as directors or is or was servingofficers of the Registrant at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agentRegistrant under specified circumstances. Article Sixth of another corporation, partnership or other enterprise, against all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, finesthe Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant provides in effect that the Registrant shall provide certain indemnification to such persons under certain circumstances.
     The directors and amounts paid in settlement actuallyofficers of the Registrant are insured, under policies of insurance maintained by the Registrant, within the limits and reasonably incurred by them in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposedsubject to the best interestlimitations of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if he or she had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. Section 145 further provides that a corporation similarly may indemnify any such person serving in any such capacity who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor,policies, against certain expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense of actions, suits or settlement of the action or suit if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification may be made against expense in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.

     In accordance with Section 145 of the DGCL, Article 6 of Holdings’ certificate of incorporation grants Holdings’ directors and officers a right to indemnification for all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred relating to any threatened, pending or

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completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, including appeals,proceedings, to which they are a party (1)parties by reason of the fact that they arebeing or werehaving been such directors or officers of Holdings or (2) by reason of the fact that, while they are or were directors or officers of Holdings, they are or were serving at the request of Holdings as directors, officers, partners, trustees, employees or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise.officers.
     The restated certificate of incorporation of AAM does not provide specificallyunderwriting agreement basic provisions will provide for indemnification of directors, officers employees or others.

     Article 6who sign the Registration Statement and controlling persons of Holdings’ certificate of incorporation further provides that Holdings is only obligated to indemnify a person therein described in connection with any action, suit or proceeding commenced by such person if such commencement was authorizedthe Registrant by the Boardunderwriters, and for indemnification of Holdings. Any expenses incurredeach underwriter and its controlling persons by any personthe Registrant, against certain liabilities. Similar provisions are contained in defending any action, suit or proceeding will be promptly paid by Holdings upon presentationagreements entered into between the Registrant and groups of appropriate documentation. The restated certificateunderwriters on past occasions.

Item 16. List of incorporation of AAM does not speak to expenses.

     In addition, Article 6 of Holdings’ certificate of incorporation provides that the right to indemnification provided in the certificate of incorporation is not meant to limit or be exclusive of any other right that any indemnitee may be entitled to by contract, the certificate of incorporation, vote of stockholders or directors or otherwise, or as a matter of law, it being the policy of Holdings that any indemnitee therein described shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL.

     The certificate of incorporation authorizes Holdings to purchase insurance for directors and officers of Holdings and persons who serve at the request of Holdings as directors, officers, partners, trustees, employees or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person, whether or not Holdings would have the power to indemnify such persons against such liability under the certificate of incorporation or otherwise. The restated certificate of incorporation of AAM does not speak to insurance purchases for directors, officers or other persons.

The Registrants maintain directors’ and officers’ insurance policies which insure the officers and directors of the Registrants from any claim arising out of an alleged wrongful act by such persons in their respective capacities as officers and directors of the Registrants.Exhibits.

     
Item 16.Exhibits

The exhibits to this registration statementRegistration Statement are listed onin the exhibit index, which appears elsewhere herein and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 17. Undertakings.
     
Item 17.Undertakings

(a) Each of theThe undersigned registrantsRegistrant hereby undertakes:

     (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

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(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i)  to include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii)  to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

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(iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those clauses is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement;

     (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
     (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective Registration Statement; and
     (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement.
provided,however, that clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those clauses is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the Registration Statement.
(2)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

     (b) Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statementsuch post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

     (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
     (4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
     (i) Each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the Registration Statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the Registration Statement; and
     (ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the Registration Statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the Registration Statement relating to the securities in the Registration Statement to which the prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;provided,however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement or prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the Registration Statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

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     (5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
     (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
     (ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant;
     (iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and
     (iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.
     (b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
     (c) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest annual report to security holders that is incorporated by reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and, where interim financial information required to be presented by Article 3 of Regulation S-X are not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause to be delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in the prospectus to provide such interim financial information.
     (d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrantsRegistrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, each of the registrantsRegistrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable.

In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrantsRegistrant of expenses incurred or

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paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrantsRegistrant in the successful defense of any such action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, each of the registrantsRegistrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
     (e) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the Trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each of the registrantsRegistrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statementAmendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Detroit, State of Michigan, on July 7, 2004.

November 5, 2009.

 AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.

INC
 
By: /s/ MICHAEL K. SIMONTE
 
 Name: Michael K. Simonte
 Title: Executive Vice President – Finance & TreasurerChief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statementAmendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
     
SignatureTitle
SignatureTitleDate



 
*

Richard E. Dauch
 Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board &
Chief Executive OfficerOfficer/Director
(principal executive officer)
 July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
 
 *

Thomas L. Martin
 
/s/ MICHAEL K. SIMONTE
Michael K. Simonte
Executive Vice President — Finance &
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
(principal accounting officer)
 July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
 
/s/ MICHAEL K. SIMONTE

Michael K. Simonte
 Vice President & Treasurer
*
David C. Dauch
 July 7, 2004DirectorNovember 5, 2009
 
*

Forest J. Farmer
 Director July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
 
*

Richard C. Lappin
 Director July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
 
*

B.G. Mathis
William F. Miller II
 Director July 7, 2004November 5, 2009

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SignatureTitleDate
 
*

Larry W. McCurdyK. Switzer
 Director July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
 
 *

John P. Reilly
 DirectorJuly 7, 2004
 
*

Thomas K. Walker
 Director July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
*
Dr. Henry T. Yang
DirectorNovember 5, 2009

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*By: 
SignatureTitleDate



*

Henry T. Yang
DirectorJuly 7, 2004
*By:/s/ MICHAEL K. SIMONTE

Michael K. Simonte
Attorney-in-fact
    

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each of the registrantsRegistrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statementAmendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Detroit, State of Michigan, on July 7, 2004.

November 5, 2009.

 AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.

 By: /s/ MICHAEL K. SIMONTE
 
 Name: Michael K. Simonte
 Title: Executive Vice President – Finance & TreasurerChief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

     Thomas L. Martin whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Patrick S. Lancaster and Michael K. Simonte his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby grants to such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statementAmendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
     
SignatureTitle
SignatureTitleDate



 
*

Richard E. Dauch
 Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board &
Chief Executive Officer & Officer/Director
(principal executive officer)
 July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
 
/s/ THOMAS L. MARTIN

Thomas L. Martin
 
/s/ MICHAEL K. SIMONTE
Michael K. Simonte
Executive Vice President — Finance &
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
(principal accounting officer)
 July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
 
/s/ MICHAEL K. SIMONTE

Michael K. Simonte
 Vice President & TreasurerJuly 7, 2004
 
*

B.G. Mathis
DirectorJuly 7, 2004
*

Forest J. Farmer
 Director July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
 
*

Richard C. Lappin
 Director July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
 
*

Thomas K. Walker
 Director July 7, 2004November 5, 2009
 
*By:/s/ MICHAEL K. SIMONTE

Michael K. Simonte
Attorney-in-fact
    

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EXHIBIT INDEX
     
NumberDescription


 4.1* Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 11, 2004, among the registrants and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
 4.2* Senior Convertible Notes due 2024, Indenture, dated as of February 11, 2004, among Holdings, as issuer, AAM, Inc., as guarantor, and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as trustee.
 4.3* Form of 2.00% Senior Convertible Note due 2024 (included in Exhibit 4.2).
 4.4* Specimen Common Stock certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to Holdings’ annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 001-14303)).
 5.1* Opinion and Consent of Shearman & Sterling LLP.
 12.1* Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 23.1 Consent of Deloitte and Touche LLP.
 24.1* Power of Attorney (included on signature page to the registration statement).
 25.1* Statement of Eligibility of Trustee, on Form T-1.


Exhibit
  *  1.1Form of Debt Securities Underwriting Agreement – Basic Provisions
  *  1.2Form of Equity Securities Underwriting Agreement
  +  3.1Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 filed with American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. Registration on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-53491))
  +  3.2Bylaws of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.02 filed with American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-53491))
  +  4.1Specimen Certificate for shares of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.’s Common Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 filed with American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-53491))
  *  4.2Form of Certificate of Designations of Preferred Stock
**  4.3Form of Debt Securities Indenture
  *  4.4Form of Debt Securities
  *  4.5Form of Warrant Agreement (including Form of Warrant)
  +  4.65.25% Senior Notes due 2014, Indenture, dated as of February 11, 2004, among American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., as issuer, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., as guarantor, and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.02 filed with American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003)
  +  4.7Senior Convertible Notes due 2024, Indenture, dated as of February 11, 2004, among American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., as issuer, American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., as guarantor, and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.03 filed with American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003)
  +  4.87.875% Senior Notes due 2017, Indenture, dated as of February 27, 2007, between American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., as issuer, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., as guarantor, and Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.04 filed with American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007)
  +  4.9Warrant Agreement dated as of September 16, 2009, by and among American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. and General Motors Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009)
  5.1Opinion of Shearman & Sterling LLP as to legality of the Securities
12.1Statement of computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
23.1Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm
23.2Consent of Shearman & Sterling LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
**24.1Power of Attorney (included in signature pages)
**25.1Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee for the Debt Securities
*To be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with a specific offering.
** Previously filed.
+Incorporated by reference.

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