Dana Corporation Ramps Up Tire Maintenance System Production to Meet Growing Demand
Mar 17, 2004
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida -- Mar 17, 2004 -- In response to growing trucking industry interest in tire management programs, Dana Corporation (NYSE: DCN) has announced plans to begin high-volume production of the Dana SpicerÒTire Maintenance System (TMS) for trailer applications. TMS is the trucking industry’s only on-board tire pressure management system that simultaneously measures and maintains correct tire pressures. High-volume production availability is planned for the third quarter of 2004.
“An increasing number of our trailer customers, both end-users and OEMs, are expressing interest in tire pressure maintenance systems,” said Jim Beverly, chief engineer for Dana’s Advanced Chassis Control Systems group. “We are committed to meeting that demand with our proven and effective solution.” Dana and its Roadranger® marketing partner, Eaton Corporation, have accumulated close to 20 years of tire pressure management experience.
“Maintaining proper tire pressure provides improved fuel economy, longer tread life, better retread performance, and an increase in overall vehicle productivity,” added Beverly. Tires are second only to fuel as an overall operating cost. Fleet surveys, he said, have indicated that using an effective tire maintenance system can eliminate roughly half of all tire-related service calls.
“Dana Spicer TMS is the only system in the commercial vehicle market today with the ability to measure actual tire pressure,” said Beverly. “Additionally, a patented two-solenoid design provides for non-pressurized seals and lines when tire inflation is not needed. This provides reliability and durability features that are unmatched.”
Based on the same design principles that have been successful with the Dana Spicer Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), the Dana Spicer Tire Maintenance System utilizes an electronic control unit (ECU) to ensure robust, yet simple operation. “We envision this system as a foundation for other vehicle well-being products, such as integrated brake wear and wheel-end temperature sensors.”
Additional key design features of the Dana Spicer Tire Maintenance System, include:
No scheduled maintenance.
A patented auto-learn option that provides users with the ability to set or change the desired tire pressure target without the need for any special tools.
PC-based diagnostics, known as ServiceRanger, which utilize industry standard communication protocols. Blink code diagnostics also are provided.
Dana Spicer Tire Maintenance Systems are warranted for three years, and unlimited mileage.
Dana’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group, part of the Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group, designs, manufactures, and markets front-steer, rear-drive, trailer, and auxiliary axles; driveshafts; steering shafts; brakes; suspensions; and related systems, modules, and services for the commercial vehicle market. Major components and modules are marketed under the Spicer® brand name.
For more information on the Dana Spicer Tire Management Systems and other Roadranger products and services, visit the Internet at www.roadranger.com, or write to Roadranger Marketing, P.O. Box 4013, Kalamazoo, Mich. 49003. To reach a Roadranger right now, dial 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, dial 001-800-826-4357.
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 Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicles. Delivering on a century of innovation, the company's continuing operations employ approximately 45,000 people worldwide dedicated to advancing the science of mobility. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates technology, manufacturing, and customer-service facilities in 30 countries. Sales from continuing operations totaled $7.9 billion in 2003.
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