Dana Corporation to Supply Frame, Other Key Components for General Motors' New HUMMER H3

Toledo, Ohio -- Apr 13, 2005 -- Dana Corporation (NYSE: DCN) announced today that it will supply full-perimeter frames, as well as thermal-acoustical protective shields (TAPS) and power steering hose assemblies, for General Motors’ 2005 HUMMER H3. 

“The HUMMER name demands a high level of respect for its rugged performance, and Dana is honored that our technologies are part of this unique vehicle,” said Michael J. Burns, Dana’s chairman and CEO.  “We are proud to continue our long tradition of working with GM to deliver products that excite consumers.”

The ladder-type, fully welded frame – made of high-strength steel – features superior stiffness over previous generations of frames.  It also has mounting and suspension brackets that are simultaneously pierced to provide a more precise merge between the frame, body, and suspension.  This enhances sight lines and vehicle ride while reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

A pioneer in thermal-acoustical protective shields, Dana also provides a three-layer exhaust manifold TAPS to manage heat and lower engine NVH.  The shield’s low-mass design consists of top and bottom steel layers with fully hemmed edges for safe handling along with a center insulating damping layer for improved NVH.

Dana’s innovative power-steering hose assembly includes the pressure and return lines, along with a single-point connection to the steering gear.  While reducing complexity and saving space, the new system decreases the number of potential leak paths by replacing brazed joints with formed tubing.  A second o-ring has been added to the initial o-ring to further improve sealing performance.  Compared to traditional systems, this version reduces NVH levels without adding cost.  Dana jointly developed the assembly with GM and Mando, the steering gear supplier to the H3. 

“The H3 required creative solutions, and Dana delivered,” said Mike Laisure, president of Dana’s Automotive Systems Group.   “Our depth of experience played an important role developing these technologies.  We are proud to deliver systems for vehicles that consumers are passionate about driving.”

Dana people design and manufacture products for virtually every major vehicle producer in the world.  Dana is focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles every year.  A leading supplier of axle, driveshaft, engine, frame, chassis, and transmission technologies, Dana employs 46,000 people in 28 countries.  The company is based in Toledo, Ohio, and reported sales of $9.1 billion in 2004.  Dana’s Internet address is www.dana.com.