Dana Corporation to Provide New Multi-layer Fuel Lines

TOLEDO, Ohio, Dec. 16, 2003 -- Dana Corporation announced today that it will begin producing a new, multi-layer fuel lines for various applications in Europe, North America, and South America.

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

The announcement comes after Dana signed a five-year licensing agreement with Nitta Moore Co. Ltd. of Japan to extrude polybuthylene naphthalate (PBN) multi-layer tubing for the automotive fuel market.

PBN can be extruded in small and large sizes with conductive, non- conductive, and corrugated configurations. This innovative product has potential application for fuel feed, fuel return, and fuel vapor lines, as well as tank filler necks. When compared to older fluoropolymer multi-layer tubing, improvements are evident in low permeation, electric static discharge (ESD), weight, and cost.

"The advantage of multi-layer PBN tubing is superior low permeability at a price that is competitive to today's other tubing options," said Mike Laisure, president of Dana's Engine and Fluid Management Group. "Our partnership with Nitta Moore will produce multiple opportunities for both companies within the automotive arena."

"This technology fits nicely with our core hose and tubing competency," said Bill Carroll, Dana's acting president and chief operating officer. "We'll be able to use existing equipment, tooling, and processes to create this innovative product."

Many global automotive manufacturers are beginning to utilize multi-layer PBN tubing to help achieve 2006 Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) requirements, especially in fuel-tank and fuel-delivery systems.

The new multi-layer PBN tubing is made up of five different layers: a PBN middle layer, two adhesive layers, and Nylon-12 internal and external layers.

Dana's first PBN application was in 2002 for production of "in-tank" single-layer PBN fuel lines for high-temperature resistance.

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

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