Dana Corporation Awarded Nissan Armada SUV Driveline Business

Company to Supply New Pathfinder Armada with Axles, Driveshafts

TOLEDO, Ohio, April 28 -- Dana Corporation announced today that it will provide front axle assemblies and driveshafts for Nissan's all new 2004 Pathfinder Armada sport-utility vehicle, which recently debuted at the 2003 New York Auto Show.

"This new axle and driveshaft business -- in addition to our existing business with Nissan on its new Titan full-size pick-up truck -- continues Dana's solid growth with new American manufacturers," said Dana Chairman and CEO Joe Magliochetti.

As on the Titan pick-up, the Nissan Pathfinder Armada features Dana's independent-front-axle assemblies, which incorporate several Dana-first innovations, including:

  * Improved pinion sealing technology to prevent contamination;
  * Advanced gear design for improved strength and quieter gear operation;
  * One-piece, aluminum die cast carrier with superior corrosion resistance
    and integrated tube for increased axle strength, and;
  * Advanced oil-flow design, which improves towing capabilities.

Dana will also produce front-main steel and rear-main aluminum driveshafts for both 4x4 and 4x2 models. All assemblies include Spicer Life(R) maintenance-free universal joints. Select 4x4 rear aluminum shafts feature Dana's patented swaged tube design for ease of installation and integrated damping for superior NVH performance. Aluminum was selected for its lightweight, corrosion resistant properties.

Dana will supply axles from its Automotive Systems Group facility in Columbia, Mo., and driveshafts from Gordonsville, Tenn., for Nissan's Canton, Miss., plant.

Other Dana components on the Pathfinder Armada will include fluid-routing products, such as fuel lines and hoses; heat exchangers; sealing products; and engine bearings.

"Dana is the leader in state-of-the-art driveline systems," said Bill Carroll, President of Dana's Automotive Systems Group. "Our design and testing expertise in torque and traction technologies was instrumental in securing this important new business. We are excited by the opportunity to support this program and to strengthen our relationship with Nissan."

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. The company employs more than 60,000 people worldwide. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates hundreds of technology, manufacturing, and customer service facilities in 30 countries. The company reported 2002 sales of $9.5 billion.