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Dana Readying Axles, Lube for 2007
New technological advances set to energize performance
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Kalamazoo, Mich., June 22, 2006 – Dana Corporation’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group is developing a new technology that promises to improve the overall efficiency of its Spicer® drive axle lineup by better controlling the flow of lubrication. Based on field and lab testing, the improvements are expected to reduce the negative effects of energy-consuming gear churning by as much as 20 percent.
This new technology has been developed around an innovative insert, protected by United States Patent number 6,938,731, that directs lubrication to areas in the axle where it is needed most, while controlling flow around the ring gear. The controlled flow minimizes churning energy losses while maintaining proper component lubrication. It will also reduce the amount of lubrication needed at factory and service fill points, thereby reducing costs. The initial design reduced required lubrication volume by six pints. An additional benefit includes reduced sump temperatures, resulting in increased film thickness that enhances gear and bearing life. These benefits are achieved with the added advantage of a slight reduction in overall system weight.
“We expect that this technology will be available to OEMs concurrent with the introduction of 2007 diesel engines,” said Leo Wenstrup, senior product manager – drive axles for Dana. “That’s important in that we see these developments as one way to help fleets mitigate higher anticipated operating costs.”
All testing and engineering work is being conducted with Roadranger® 75W-90 Synthetic Lubricant, which has proven to yield efficiency improvements with this new technology.
For more information on Dana’s 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.
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