Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group Reorganizes
24 July 1998
Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group Reorganizes to Build Upon Company-Wide StrengthsTOLEDO, Ohio, July 23 -- The Automotive Aftermarket Group of Dana Corporation has reorganized the combined operations of Echlin's and Dana's worldwide aftermarket businesses, according to Group President Larry McCurdy. "The reorganization builds upon Echlin's extensive offering of 'under the vehicle' and 'under the hood' products, and it strengthens Dana's position as a worldwide leader in the automotive aftermarket -- with top-quality parts and superior customer service," he said. The Automotive Aftermarket Group, with $3.3 billion in annual sales and 26,000 employees worldwide, will consist of four divisions -- Brakes and Chassis, Engine Systems, Filtration, and European Aftermarket. Each is headed by an industry veteran with extensive experience in serving customers' needs. Brakes and Chassis Division Larry Pavey, who has 15 years with Echlin and 25 years in the parts business, will serve as president of the Brakes and Chassis Division. The business consists of worldwide manufacturing, sales, marketing, and distribution of hydraulic brake components, disc brakes, brake friction material, electric brake controllers, and hardware for light-vehicle applications, which were all formerly part of Echlin. Complementing this business will be Dana's global sales, marketing, and distribution of replacement chassis products, such as chassis and suspension components. Brakes and chassis products and systems are sold under well-known brands such as AIMCO(R), Perfect Circle(R), Raybestos(R), and Spicer(R). Engine Systems Division The Engine Systems Division will combine Echlin's engine systems parts with Dana's engine components for the vehicle maintenance and repair market. It will be led by President Bob Daley, who has 27 years of experience in the industry and 15 with Echlin. Echlin's engine systems parts are external components that manage engine efficiency, including ignition, fuel, and emission control products. Added to this business will be the aftermarket sales and distribution functions of Dana. Products of these operations include sealing products, such as gaskets, and internal engine components. Products are sold under respected brands such as ACCEL(R), Borg-Warner(R), Niehoff(R), and Victor Reinz(R). Filtration Division The Automotive Aftermarket Group also includes filtration products, which were formerly part of Dana's Engine Components Group. The Division is headed by President Bill Lasky, a 21-year veteran of the company with more than 27 years of industry experience. The complete line of filtration products includes more than 3,000 configurations for a wide variety of motor vehicle and industrial equipment applications. The filtration business includes manufacturing, sales, and marketing operations. The group's air, oil, fuel, transmission, hydraulic, coolant, and emission filters are recognized by the Wix(R) brand name. European Aftermarket Division Quinton Hazell, the Group's pan-European aftermarket business, is headed by President Ken Collins, a 16-year company veteran with a total of 30 years of experience in the parts industry. The business manufactures and distributes a wide range of electrical, brake, power transmission, steering, and suspension systems components for customers throughout the United Kingdom and continental Europe. The business has 23 operations in 13 countries, and it exports to more than 100 countries globally. Products are sold under industry-leading brands such as Commercial Ignition(R), Lipmesa(R), Moprod(R), and Quinton Hazell(R). Southwood J. Morcott, Dana chairman and chief executive officer, said, "Our new Automotive Aftermarket Group will capitalize on the many synergies generated by the integration of Dana's and Echlin's aftermarket operations. The combination is good for our customers and for our shareholders, as we optimize warehouse distribution, manufacturing, and the marketing infrastructure for increased efficiency and service." McCurdy commented, "We're excited about the opportunities for the new Automotive Aftermarket Group as we build on Dana's strong combination of aftermarket brands and long-standing distribution relationships. It gives Dana a sharper aftermarket focus as we provide superior products, services, and value to our customers throughout the world." Dana's existing Heavy Truck Components, Off-Highway Components, and Industrial Components Groups will continue to serve the aftermarket customers in those respective markets. One of the world's largest independent suppliers to vehicular, off- highway, and industrial manufacturers and their related aftermarkets, Dana Corporation produces components used on more than 95 percent of the world's 650 million motor vehicles. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates 270 major facilities in 33 countries and employs more than 79,000 people. The company had pro forma sales of $11.9 billion in 1997. Dana's Internet address is http://www.dana.com.