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New Dana Innovation Makes 4WD Vehicles More Fuel Efficient

    FT. WAYNE, Ind., April 17 Dana Corporation's
Spicer Light Axle Group today introduced Dual Advantage(TM), an innovative new
disconnect system with single-point actuation.  This innovative system
facilitates improved fuel efficiency by significantly decreasing drag found in
the front axle of 4X4 applications. Dana is the leading supplier of front axle
4x4 applications in North America.
    The Dual Advantage(TM) system is the industry's first dual-disconnect
system that uncouples both front axle shafts of a 4WD vehicle while in two-
wheel drive mode, with single-point electronic actuation.
    The patented Dual Advantage(TM) system is capable of reducing drag by
allowing the differential gears in the front axle to remain stationary when
the axle is disconnected.  This is not possible with existing single
disconnect systems. The Dual Advantage(TM) system lessens the potential in
some applications for NVH issues, does not add any additional weight, and fits
in the same or smaller packaging envelope as single-disconnect systems.  It
can also interact with either single-point electronic or mechanical actuators.
    "This innovation is representative of Dana's commitment of supplying new
and ground-breaking technology that addresses current and future vehicular
needs as well as torque management needs for the ever growing 4x4 market,"
said Bill Carroll, president of Dana's Automotive Systems Group. "Together
with our landmark Hydra-Lok(TM) limited slip differential and new TXT(TM)
torque management technology, the electronic Dual Advantage(TM) system
demonstrates Dana's continuing leadership in the development of next-
generation torque management offerings that deliver value and fuel efficiency
for the end consumer."
    Added Ismael Melgar, president of Dana's Global Automotive Axle Products
Group. "The Dual Advantage(TM) system offers consumers a viable alternative
for increasing fuel efficiency for their 4WD vehicle platforms. This attribute
is important to the end user with today's growing concern over fuel prices.
The advantage to the OEMs is that Dana's innovative technology also supports
their continuing pursuit of government CAFE requirements for greener
vehicles."
    Dana's Global Automotive Axle Operations consists of more than
25 manufacturing, assembly, and research and development facilities in
16 nations in 6 continents strategically located to meet the demanding supply
and delivery needs of today's light vehicular OEMs.
    The Automotive Axle Products Group is part Dana's Automotive Systems
Group, a leading provider of under-the-vehicle integration technologies for
automotive manufacturers worldwide.  The group offers advanced driveline
design solutions, complete integrated systems engineering, and logistics,
drawing upon nearly a century of expertise in the following products:
Spicer(R) axles and driveshafts; GETRAG(R) differentials, PTUs, and
transaxles; structures and chassis systems; Nakata(R) steering and suspension
systems; FTE(R) brake and clutch actuation systems; TTC and Tremec(R)
transmissions; and all-wheel driveline systems engineering from Drive-Tek(TM),
a Dana/GKN joint venture.
    Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers of components,
modules and complete systems to global vehicle manufacturers and their related
aftermarkets.  Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates
some 300 major facilities in 35 countries and employs more than 75,000 people.
The company reported sales of $12.3 billion in 2000.  Dana's Internet address
is http://www.dana.com .