<< [Back to News Releases]

Printable Version

Kalamazoo, Mich., June 22, 2006 – To meet customers’ increasing need for better fuel economy, Dana Corporation’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group has released three new ratios for its Spicer® drive axle lineup. Dana’s Torsionally Tuned-40® (DST40) tandem drive axle is now available with new 2.64:1 and 2.93:1 ratios, and the S170 single drive axle now offers a 2.53 axle ratio. These ratios will be particularly effective in improving fuel efficiency for fleets running lower engine RPMs at cruising speed with direct transmissions and low-profile tires.

“These new axle ratios significantly improve drivetrain efficiency, which is key in optimizing fuel consumption,” said Leo Wenstrup, senior product manager – drive axles for Dana. “Fleets that specify Dana’s Spicer DST40 or S170 drive axles will quickly realize the benefits of lowered cost of operation and improved fuel efficiency when engine cruise speed is optimized.”

Wenstrup added that dimensional, metallurgical, and laboratory fatigue tests were conducted to ensure that these ratios achieve the highest levels of performance and reliability. “The new ratios were developed using state-of-the-art design, gear cutting, and heat treatment methods to ensure our customers are getting the most technologically-advanced drive axles in the industry,” added Wenstrup.

The DST40 tandem drive axle was designed to significantly reduce harmful driveline torsionals that can damage a host of drivetrain components. The axles feature an innovative gear combination that significantly reduces excessive inter-axle driveline angles. Driveline torsional vibrations are kept well below acceptable limits in a full range of ride heights to reduce vehicle vibration and improve ride characteristics. The axle’s new ratios expand the range of standard ratios available to meet a wide variety of commercial vehicle applications. The lineup now includes 2.64, 2.93, 3.08, 3.25, 3.36, 3.55, 3.70, 3.90, 4.11, 4.33, 4.88, 5.29, 5.57, 6.17, 6.50, and 7.17.

The S170 single reduction, single drive axle is ideally suited for truckload and LTL single and double trailer linehaul applications in 4x2 and 6x2 vehicle configurations, as well as construction, refuse, city delivery, and fire and rescue applications. Customers that specify the S170 with a tag axle, instead of the traditional 40,000-pound tandem configuration, will realize weight savings up to 400 pounds. Ratio coverage for the S170 now includes 2.53, 2.69, 2.87, 2.93, 3.07, 3.21, 3.31, 3.42, 3.58, 3.73, 3.91, 4.10, 4.30, 4.56, 4.78, 5.25, 5.38, 5.57, 6.14, 6.83, and 7.17.

For more information on Spicer axles and other Roadranger products and services, visit the Internet at www.roadranger.com, or write to Roadranger Marketing, P.O. Box 4013, Kalamazoo, MI 49003. To reach a Roadranger right now, dial 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357.

The Roadranger® solution is an unbeatable combination of the best drivetrain, chassis, and safety components from Dana Corporation and Eaton Corporation, all backed by the Roadrangers – the most experienced, most expert, and most accessible drivetrain consultants in the business.

Dana’s Commercial Vehicle Systems designs, manufactures, and markets front-steer, rear-drive, trailer, and auxiliary axles; driveshafts; steering shafts; suspensions; and related systems, modules, and services for the commercial vehicle market. Major components and modules are marketed under the Spicer® brand name. Dana’s strategic marketing alliance with Eaton Corporation’s Truck Components group provides innovative drivetrain systems under the Roadranger® brand name.

About Dana Corporation
Dana is a leading supplier of drivetrain, chassis, structural, and engine technologies. Our people design and manufacture products for every major vehicle and engine producer in the world. Based in Toledo, Ohio, with operations throughout the world, we are focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles annually. Our continuing operations reported sales of $8.6 billion in 2005. Dana’s Internet address is: www.dana.com.

Dana and certain of our U.S. subsidiaries are operating under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code as debtors-in-possession. Information about the bankruptcy proceedings can be found at: http://www.dana.com/reorganization. While we continue our reorganization under Chapter 11, investments in our securities will be highly speculative. Although shares of our common stock continue to trade on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol "DCNAQ," the trading prices of the shares may have little or no relationship to the actual recovery, if any, by the holders under any eventual court-approved reorganization plan. The opportunity for any recovery by holders of our common stock under such reorganization plan is uncertain and shares of our common stock may be cancelled without any compensation pursuant to such plan.

Contact: Emily Ewing
emily.ewing@dana.com