Dana Corporation Introduces New Generation of Transmission Controls

SHANGHAI, China -- Nov 23, 2004 -- Dana Corporation’s (NYSE: DCN) Off-Highway Systems group announced today the availability of a new generation of Spicer® transmission controls that provide compatibility with Can 2.b communication protocol. 

The new Spicer® ECon™ essential controller and PCon™ powertrain controller are compatible with all Dana transmission designs that include an electric control valve.  Specific functionality provided by the controllers includes automatic shifting, system monitoring, data logging, safety shift inhibits, diagnostics, and single-pedal drive.  While the Spicer® ECon™ and PCon™ are immediately available for new transmission applications, future engineering will allow for them to be retrofitted into existing machines that require added vehicle control capability.

“Many mining vehicles remain in operation for an extended period of time,” said Rick Honeyager, director of product planning, Dana Off-Highway Systems.  “When an older mining vehicle’s engine is replaced with a new tier-two or tier-three engine, a transmission controller like the ECon™ or PCon™ controller becomes a viable option to facilitate electronic control of the entire drivetrain.”

The Spicer TCon™ transmission controller, ICon™ intelligent controller, and ACon™ advanced controller work with Dana’s TE™ series of transmissions to provide enhanced electronic control capabilities–including electronically-modulated clutch engagement and operator-controlled, electronically-modulated inching.

The new line of Spicer® transmission controls also features hardware that remotely connects the RD.120 display unit to the controller box.  This design allows for the display unit to be mounted in the vehicle’s cab while storing the larger Advanced Powershift Control ECU elsewhere to maximize space.

Off-Highway Systems Overview

Off-Highway Systems is part of Dana Corporation’s Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group. Off-Highway Systems is composed of division facilities and research and development operations in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The group designs, manufactures, assembles, and markets axles and transaxles; driveshafts and end-fittings; transmissions; torque converters; electronic controls; and brakes. Off-Highway Systems also provides replacement parts and service.

Off-Highway Systems serves 30 countries and more than 1,000 vehicle assembly and manufacturing facilities. In addition, through Off-Highway Systems Service, it has two global distribution centers and more than 50 authorized service center locations serving more than 100 countries. Construction, agriculture, specialty chassis, forestry, underground mining, material handling, outdoor power, leisure/utility vehicles, and industrial equipment are just some of the markets that demand the quality found in Spicer’s off-highway systems, products and genuine service parts.

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets.  The company’s continuing operations employ approximately 45,000 people worldwide and reported sales of $7.9 billion in 2003.  Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates hundreds of technology, manufacturing, and customer service facilities in 30 countries.

  For more information, please visit www.dana.com/offhighway.  

 

 

 

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