The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Dana Corporation Features New Thermoplastic Coolant Pump at Engine Expo 2005

TOLEDO, Ohio, May 31, 2005 -- Dana Corporation announced today that it plans to begin full production of its new thermoplastic coolant pump in late 2005. The fully recyclable pump, which improves durability and reduces weight, will be featured at the Engine Expo 2005, to be held in Stuttgart, Germany, May 31 through June 2.

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

Over the past two years, Dana's technical teams worked closely with a number of automakers to develop a better pump for today's hotter running engines. This collaboration and the use of thermoplastics as the material for the coolant pump helped to significantly simplify assembly, improve durability by 30 percent, and reduce weight by 65 percent compared with aluminum.

"Working with our customers, Dana engineers were able to deliver strong environmental, design, and weight-saving features through this thermoplastic coolant pump," said Dana Chairman and CEO Michael J. Burns. "Such customer- focused product innovations are clearly an important part of sustaining our top-line growth momentum."

The pump delivers another key benefit by reducing the environmental impact during manufacturing. It requires significantly less energy to produce than a similar metal component and is 100-percent recyclable, helping vehicle manufacturers meet environmental mandates. Using thermoplastics also eliminates costly metal machining steps and the related scrap.

"In addition to the weight, environmental, and cost benefits, thermoplastics can provide greater design freedom to enhance the pump's performance and function," said Chuck Heine, president of Dana's technology development. "More functions could eventually be integrated into the water pump, further reducing system complexity and saving valuable under-hood space."

Dana people design and manufacture products for every major vehicle producer in the world. Dana is focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles every year. A leading supplier of axle, driveshaft, engine, frame, chassis, and transmission technologies, Dana employs 46,000 people in 28 countries. The company is based in Toledo, Ohio, and reported sales of $9.1 billion in 2004. Dana's Internet address is www.dana.com .

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/226839.html

NOTE TO EDITORS: Visit Dana in Booth 6044 at Engine Expo 2005, May 31 through June 2 in Stuttgart, Germany.