Top Picks: Leading Axle Brands for Superior Performance

When considering the best brands for axles, there are a few that stand out for their durability, innovation, and reliability. These manufacturers have earned reputations for producing high-quality axles that cater to various vehicles and applications, ensuring optimal performance and safety on the road. Whether you’re looking for axles for heavy-duty trucks, off-road adventures, or everyday vehicles, the brands mentioned in our list have you covered. For a comprehensive list of the top axle brands available today, continue reading below.

Illustration of axles

Best brands of axles in 2025

Dana Incorporated

Dana Incorporated is a leading American supplier of axles, driveshafts, and various automotive components, serving the light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and off-highway equipment markets. Founded in 1904 and based in Maumee, Ohio, the company employs nearly 36,000 people in 33 countries and generated $10.2 billion in sales in 2022. Dana holds a significant market share of approximately 5.49% in the auto and truck parts industry as of Q3 2024. The company has successfully transformed to offer fully integrated electrified systems, with 65% of its sales coming from electric-vehicle platforms in 2022. Dana's products are known for their efficiency, performance, and reliability.

GKN Automotive

GKN Automotive is a global leader in the production of advanced driveline and axle systems, having pioneered the development and industrialization of electric axle drives for hybrid and electric vehicles. With over 70 years of experience, the company has delivered more than 2.5 million hybrid and electric vehicles powered by its eDrive technology as of 2024. GKN Automotive holds significant market shares, including 47% in driveshafts, 30% in all-wheel drive units, and 14% in eDrive systems as of 2018. The company collaborates with 90% of global OEMs and boasts a robust global presence with 51 manufacturing sites across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. GKN Automotive's innovations, such as the first two-speed eDrive system in the BMW i8 and the integrated planetary eAxle, have set new benchmarks in the industry. For more details about their journey of innovation, visit GKN Automotive's heritage page.

American Axle & Manufacturing

American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) is a leading global tier 1 automotive and mobility supplier, renowned for designing, engineering, and manufacturing advanced driveline and metal forming technologies. Headquartered in Detroit, AAM operates over 80 facilities in 18 countries, supporting major customers like General Motors and Stellantis. In 2023, sales to GM accounted for approximately 39% of AAM's consolidated net sales, and the company launched 14 new programs across its business units. AAM holds a significant market share, with around 19.13% in the Auto & Truck Parts industry as of Q3 2024. The company is also focused on electrification technology, having been selected by Stellantis to supply electric beam axles for future electric vehicle programs. Learn more about their innovations and impact at AAM's official website.

Meritor

Meritor Inc. is a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking, aftermarket, and electric powertrain solutions, particularly renowned for its high-quality axles. As of Q2 2022, Meritor held a market share of 5.78% in the auto and truck parts industry. The company's products are essential for commercial vehicle and industrial markets, and it has a strong presence in regions like North America and Europe. Meritor's focus on innovation and its comprehensive portfolio contribute to its standing as one of the best producers of axles. The company's market share and technological advancements make it a significant player in the automotive axle market.

Spicer

Spicer, a brand under Dana Incorporated, is renowned for producing high-quality axles that outperform competitors in various tests. For instance, Spicer 10 Series u-joints lasted twice as long as the nearest competitor, and Spicer Life Series u-joints showed exceptional durability even after one million cycles without failure. Their ring and pinion gears also demonstrated superior performance, lasting nearly three times as many cycles as the closest competitor under high-load conditions. This excellence is attributed to stringent testing, precision manufacturing, and the use of special grade steel. Spicer products are widely adopted in the automotive industry, particularly in North America, where the market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 1.9% from 2022 to 2030. For more insights, visit the Spicer official website.

Eaton Corporation

Eaton Corporation is a renowned leader in the production of axles, having established its reputation since its early days in the automotive industry. Founded with a modest start of selling just seven axles in its first year, Eaton quickly expanded and by 1916, the company was producing over 10,000 axles, many of which were used in U.S. Military trucks during World War I. This significant growth was fueled by strategic acquisitions and a strong financial foundation that allowed the company to thrive even during the Great Depression. Today, Eaton continues to be a major player in the industrial machinery and components sector, holding a market share of 2.07% as of Q3 2024. For more details, explore Eaton's rich company history.

ZF Friedrichshafen AG

ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a global leader in the production of axle drives, having manufactured over 40 million passenger car axle drives since 1997, with an additional 10 million bevel gear sets and differentials integrated into automatic and dual-clutch transmissions. The company is the market leader in axle drives for conventional drivetrain layouts and has seen significant demand due to the trend towards all-wheel-drive vehicles. ZF's axle drives are known for enhancing safety, stability, and driving dynamics. With a global production network spanning three continents, ZF supplies its axle drives to international OEMs and also offers software-controlled solutions for hybrid vehicles. The company has a broad product and technology portfolio, with 162 production locations in 31 countries and over 168,700 employees worldwide. For more detailed insights, visit their official press release.

Rockwell American

Rockwell American is a leading producer of high-quality axles, renowned for its state-of-the-art manufacturing locations and the largest distribution network in North America, ensuring an unsurpassed service level in the trailer industry. Their axles are highly versatile, available in single, tandem, or triple-axle assemblies, and are ideal for various applications including horse, utility, commercial, RV, and boat trailers, with capacities ranging from 3,500 to 6,000 pounds. The brand's 3,500 lb. axle is particularly popular due to its flexibility and numerous configuration options. Rockwell American's axles are designed with extra strength and durability, making them a preferred choice for a wide range of trailer types. This brand's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position as a top choice in the market. For more details, visit their official website.

Fabco Automotive Corporation

Fabco Automotive Corporation, founded in 1918, is a renowned leader in the manufacturing of high-quality axles, transfer cases, and power take-off units, with a reputation built on innovative engineering and responsive customer support. The company's products, such as the TC-142 and TC-143 transfer cases, are known for their high torque capabilities and advanced features like de-clutchable output shafts and automatic front axle engagement. Fabco's axles, ranging from 8,000 to 23,000 lbs, have been integrated into various truck models from manufacturers like International, Mack, and Peterbilt. The company's expertise in tandem axle and transfer case design has made it a significant player in niche markets, including the production of specialized trucks like the 6x6 Lettuce Trucks. With a long history of collaboration with major truck manufacturers, Fabco continues to serve a critical role in the automotive industry. For more information on their robust product offerings, please visit their official website.

Benteler Automotive

Benteler Automotive is a leading producer of axles, demonstrating exceptional performance and resilience in challenging market conditions. In 2022, the Automotive Division of Benteler achieved a 25% increase in EBITDA to EUR357 million, despite global automotive production being below pre-crisis levels. The company is notable for its capacity to produce around 900,000 rear axles annually in India and has recently expanded its plant in Schwandorf, Germany, to include the production of battery trays. Benteler's commitment to innovation is evident in its investment in advanced technologies, such as a new 3,200-ton cold forming transfer press in Burgos, Spain. The division also recorded a strong order intake of EUR11.4 billion in 2023, a new record with a more than 60% increase from the previous year. For more details, visit their official website.