Half of New Vehicles at 2007 North American International Auto Show Feature Core Technologies From Dana Corporation
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TOLEDO, Ohio, Jan. 18, 2007 -- Dana Corporation announced today that its core technologies - drivetrain, structural, sealing, and thermal products - can be found among half of the new vehicles being launched at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), currently underway in Detroit.
More than half of this product is manufactured outside of North America, and it represents business with three European OEMs and two Japanese automakers.
"We are proud of how pervasive our core technologies are on the new vehicles being introduced at this year's North American International Auto Show," said Dana Chairman and CEO Michael J. Burns. "We are equally pleased that the combination of our product expertise, global manufacturing footprint, and advanced manufacturing processes enables us to compete vigorously and win profitable new business around the world."
Dana technologies found on vehicles launching at the NAIAS include: - Drivetrain products, such as Spicer(R) rear drive units with Advan TEK(R) axles and Spicer(R) Life Series(R) propshafts; - Sealing products, such as Victor Reinz(R) cylinder-head and exhaust manifold gaskets, cylinder-head cover modules, and valve stem seals; - Thermal management products, such as heat shields and Long(R) auxiliary transmission oil coolers with thermal bypass valves; - Structural products, such as full-vehicle frames.
"It is an honor to have our core technologies among so many of the new vehicles being launched at this show," said Bob Fesenmyer, president of business development. "This new business demonstrates the value created when core technologies support next generation customer needs."
Advan TEK axles offer best-in-class noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, improved fuel economy, and increased durability. These improvements have been accomplished through the use of Dana's proprietary gear geometry, special bearing design, and advanced assembly processes.
Class-leading Spicer Life Series propshafts improve NVH performance. The product utilizes a magnetic-arc welding manufacturing process and incorporates staked-and-centered cardan universal joints to eliminate unwanted looseness in the drivetrain to provide smoother, high-speed dynamic performance.
Dana's innovative custom-fitted thermal-acoustic protective shielding adds an additional layer of insulating material along with a dimpled layer of steel to help diffuse and rebound sound waves back toward the source. These extra layers reduce airborne noise and add higher heat reduction values to the shield, while maintaining low mass. The design also saves valuable under-the- hood space by closely fitting to the contours of the vehicle's exhaust system.
Dana's Long auxiliary transmission oil cooler contributes to improved durability by keeping the transmission fluid at optimal temperature and also helps increase overall fuel economy. The cooler features an integrated thermal bypass valve, which serves to accelerate transmission warm-up from cold-start. This Dana solution combines the function of two components into a single compact unit.
Dana's full-perimeter frames feature hydroformed side rails that improve NVH characteristics, higher-strength steel in critical areas for increased torsional stiffness, and electro-coated surfaces for improved corrosion protection.