Dana Joins Project INSPIRE Consortium to Develop Advanced Fuel-Cell Technology for Automobiles

MAUMEE, Ohio, June 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) announced today it has joined a consortium of fuel-cell component developers, academic institutions, and automaker BMW Group for a three-year project to develop and validate next-generation automotive fuel-cell stack technology and materials.  The overall intent of the Project INSPIRE consortium is to accelerate the commercialization of high-performance, zero-emission fuel-cell-powered electric vehicles and to increase the competitiveness of the European fuel-cell industry on the world stage.

As part of the consortium, engineers at Dana's technology center in Neu-Ulm, Bavaria, Germany, will lead the development of an advanced metallic bipolar plate design, which delivers hydrogen and air to membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), a critical component of automotive fuel cells.  Dana's Neu-Ulm facility is recognized for its expertise in sealing technology, as well as for the stamping, joining, and coating processes that are required for high-volume manufacturing of metallic bipolar plates.  Dana's patented metallic bipolar plate technology will help the fuel-cell industry meet its commercialization cost and performance targets.

"Dana is honored to be part of this consortium, which includes some of the top fuel-cell research and development organizations in the world," said Dwayne Matthews, president of the Dana Power Technologies Group.  "As a leader in the development of components for fuel cells and other alternative power sources, Dana looks forward to collaborating with our project partners to devise innovative fuel-cell technologies that will go beyond what is currently considered state-of-the art and which will help drive the future of the powertrain industry."

Project INSPIRE is being supported by a grant of €7 million (nearly $8 million) from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), a public-private partnership that supports research, technological development, and demonstration activities in the fuel-cell and hydrogen energy sectors in Europe.  FCH JU's goal is to accelerate the introduction of these technologies and help realize their potential as an instrument in achieving a carbon-lean energy system, while meeting the cost, durability, and power density targets critical for mass market success.

FCH JU is composed of the European Commission; the fuel cell and hydrogen industries, represented by Hydrogen Europe; and the research community, represented by Research Grouping N.ERGHY.

Johnson Matthey, a global supplier of fully-integrated MEAs, will lead the consortium and coordinate the project activities; Pretexo will provide project management support.  Other INSPIRE consortium partners include fuel-cell component developer SGL Carbon GmbH, and academic partners CNRS Montpellier, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Technical University of Munich, Technical University of Berlin, and the University of Freiburg.  Each of the organizations participating in the consortium offers unique and valuable expertise in the field of fuel-cell capabilities. 

For more information about Dana, visit www.dana.com.

About Dana Holding Corporation
Dana is a world leader in the supply of highly engineered drivetrain, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains.  Serving three primary markets – passenger vehicle, commercial truck, and off-highway equipment – Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.  Founded in 1904 and based in Maumee, Ohio, the company employs more than 23,000 people in 25 countries on six continents.  In 2015, Dana generated sales of nearly $6.1 billion.  Forbes Magazine has again selected Dana as one of America's 100 Most Trustworthy Companies for 2016.  For more information, please visit dana.com.

SOURCE Dana Holding Corporation