Dana Driving New Isuzu SUV

TOLEDO, Ohio--Dana Corp. will provide rear axle assemblies and rear main driveshafts for Isuzu’s new 2002 Axiom, a sport utility vehicle based on the Isuzu Rodeo platform.

The Axiom is geared toward the consumer seeking a crossover vehicle that delivers the capabilities of an SUV while providing the on-road handling characteristics of a car. It will feature a 230-horsepower, 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 linked to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Dana will begin production of the Spicer rear axles in January for the 2002 model year vehicles. The rear axle assemblies, with limited slip differentials, will be produced at Dana’s Columbia, Mo., Spicer Light Vehicle Axle Group facility and delivered to the Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc. West Lafayette, Ind., assembly plant.

“Dana’s world-class technology has enabled us to develop products that will help support the stringent warranty requirements required for the Isuzu Axiom,” said Ismael Melgar, president of automotive axle products. “We are able to provide exactly what Isuzu was looking for, a crossover vehicle that delivers rugged sport utility capabilities combined with the fine handling and noise refinement of a passenger car.”

In addition, Dana’s Spicer Driveshaft Group will provide a combination of 1310 series steel and Spicer Lite aluminum rear main driveshafts for all Isuzu Axiom models. The complete aluminum slip-between center driveshafts were selected for their weight reduction, corrosion resistance and enhanced NVH characteristics. The shafts are manufactured at Spicer Driveshaft Group’s Gordonsville, Tenn. facility.

“Spicer Driveshaft has been a pioneer in the use of lightweight alternative materials in automotive applications,” said Joe Sober, vice president and general manager for Spicer Driveshaft. “Spicer introduced the first production aluminum driveshaft in 1983 and continues to develop advanced power transfer solutions to enhance vehicle performance, reduce weight and improve gas mileage.”

Dana’s Internet address is www.dana.com.