Dana Corporation To Provide Electric-Assist Power Steering for GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado Hybrid Pickup Trucks

TOLEDO, Ohio, Jan. 9, 2003; Dana Corporation announced today that it has been selected to supply electric- assist power steering for the 2004 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado hybrid pickup trucks. The models will be the first 42-volt parallel hybrid pickups in North America.

The power steering will be provided through Dana's patented Electro- Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) module. There are many benefits of electric- assist power steering, including greater fuel efficiency, improved performance and driveability, installation flexibility, and weight savings.

Dana's EHPS module, which replaces the conventional engine-driven hydraulic power-steering pump and appropriate drive ancillaries such as pullies and belts, is an electric-assist steering subsystem that includes a hydraulic pump driven by a high-performance brushless DC electric motor controlled by an integral, intelligent Electronic Control Unit (ECU). By providing assist only on demand, the device can produce fuel savings of up to 3 percent, depending upon vehicle type, versus today's conventional power steering systems.

The EHPS module includes the electric motor, electronics, pump, and resevoir all integrated into one convenient package. This packaging advantage reduces weight and allows installation flexibility as the module can be mounted in the vehicle totally independent of the engine.

"Dana is pleased to have its EHPS technology on the first 42-volt parallel hybrid pickup trucks in North America," said Joe Magliochetti, Dana chairman and CEO. "This device offers significant fuel savings while improving performance and driveability. It is another example of our commitment to growth through innovation."

Chuck Heine, Dana's president for technology development and diversified products, said, "EHPS is an important market segment for Dana. Analysts predict that one-third of all cars in Europe will be steered by EHPS by the year 2010, with global market potential growing from $250 million in 2004 to $700 million by 2010 - reaching 10 million units per year worldwide."