Dana Corporation's Advanced Traction Technologies Save Space, Improve Handling for 2002 Range Rover

TOLEDO, Ohio, Feb. 14 Dana Corporation announced that it has been selected to supply a space- saving, performance-enhancing front axle for Land Rover's 2002 Range Rover sport-utility vehicle.

The traction technology employs a unique axle design that not only saves space, but also minimizes noise, vibration, and harshness to better satisfy consumer demand for enhanced performance.

``This space-saving axle shows how Dana uses innovation and technology to meet customer needs,'' said Bill Carroll, president of Dana's Automotive Systems Group. ``Our customer required the engine, packaging, and performance features of a luxury passenger car without sacrificing the sport utility's 4X4 capability and ground clearance characteristics. Dana met the challenge with an innovative axle design that addressed these needs.''

The independent front 'oil-pan axle' bolts directly to the engine oil pan. The wheel driveshafts correspondingly run directly through the oil sump, mating the final drive unit to the wheelends. The design saves space while improving vehicle performance.

The axles will be produced by Dana's Traction Technologies Group, which consists of 25 manufacturing, assembly, and research facilities in 16 countries. The group encompasses a wide variety of traction-oriented solutions -- from individual components to the gearless technologies of tomorrow. Its operations span six continents and are strategically located to efficiently address the evolving demands of light-vehicle OEMs.

The Traction Technologies Group is part of Dana's Automotive Systems Group, a leading provider of under-the-vehicle integration technology for automotive manufacturers worldwide. Drawing upon a century of vehicular expertise, the group offers advanced drivetrain torque and traction technologies, chassis design solutions, advanced modularity concepts, complete integrated systems engineering, and program and logistics management for the following products: Dana Spicer® axles, drivelines, and structural products; GETRAG® differentials, PTUs, transaxles; Tremec® transmissions; Nakata® steering and suspension systems, and FTE® brake and clutch actuation systems. The group focus is environmentally friendly innovations to improve overall vehicle handling performance and comfort.