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Dana Corporation, HyRadix, Inc. to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Processing Systems

TOLEDO, Ohio, Sept. 8 -- Dana Corporation and HyRadix, Inc., today jointly announced that they have entered into agreements to cooperate on design and supply of small-scale fuel processing systems.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA )

Under the collaboration agreement, Dana will apply its design-for- manufacture expertise to the HyRadix Agilon(TM) stationary hydrogen fuel processor and further develop the system for high-volume manufacture. Dana will then be the worldwide manufacturer of the HyRadix Agilon fuel processor.

"As fuel-cell technology use increases, demand for hydrogen will also increase," said Joe Magliochetti, Dana chairman and CEO. "Together, Dana and HyRadix are supporting the commercialization of fuel cell technology by making hydrogen fuel processors more widely available."

Added Robert Gray, president and CEO of HyRadix, "This agreement is a milestone toward commercialization of the HyRadix proprietary fuel-reforming technology. We have made steady progress to meet the challenging performance requirements of our customers. Now, with this agreement to apply Dana's design and manufacturing abilities, we have laid the groundwork to achieve the price point needed to make this a viable product."

The HyRadix Agilon(TM) fuel processor converts readily available hydrocarbon fuels, such as natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas, to hydrogen fuel for stationary proton-exchange membrane fuel-cell applications. HyRadix selected Dana to develop and supply the reformers because of its product development expertise, experience in the fuel-cell industry, and mass manufacturing and program management capabilities. The program will bring the technology from demonstrations to high-volume manufacture.

Dana expects volume production of the fuel processors to begin within three to four years.

Stationary and residential fuel-cell technologies can be used as distributed power sources for homes and commercial facilities. Product development of the fuel processors will be done at Dana's Oakville, Ontario, Canada, Fuel Cell Support Center. Dana has three additional Fuel-Cell Support Centers in Paris, Tenn.; Rugby, England; and Neu-Ulm, Germany, to support the development of fuel-cell technology worldwide.

"We're very proud of the science, technology, and experience we can contribute to this program and look forward to securing additional opportunities in the near future," said Mike Laisure, president of Dana's Engine and Fluid Management Group.

HyRadix, based in Des Plaines, Ill., is dedicated to the development and commercialization of hydrogen generation technology for fuel-cell, hydrogen- vehicle refueling, and industrial applications. Using an innovative combination of technology and equipment, HyRadix hydrogen generation technology produces hydrogen from natural gas or LPG. For more information, visit www.HyRadix.com .

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 approximately 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 sales of $9.5 billion in 2002.

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