New Dana Designed Frame To Incorporate Patented Hydroforming Technology Giving Consumers Improved Ride, Stability, and Safety

    TOLEDO, Ohio, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dana Corporation
(NYSE: DCN) is continuing to meet the ever-growing demands of automotive
consumers for improved truck ride and vehicular safety.  A newly designed Ford
frame will be produced utilizing Dana's patented hydroforming technology and
is a significant deviation in design from traditional Ford architecture.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA )
    Many unique features in the new frame include, increased stiffness for
better ride and stability, improved serviceability, and electrocoating for
corrosion resistance.
    Vertical and torsional stiffness of the frame have both been improved over
the previous version.  Vertical stiffness of the new frame was designed to
deliver a 50 percent increase over the current model.  Torsional stiffness has
been improved by nearly nine times, resulting in reduced vehicle roll and
better stability.

    Patented Hydroforming Technology
    Dana has taken a novel approach to hydroforming.  Instead of adapting
traditional hydraulic press structures, Dana engineers developed a modular
high-pressure/high tonnage, hydroform machine they named Robo Clamp(TM).  This
custom-made machine is tailored around long, relatively straight parts such as
full-perimeter frame rails, but it can be configured to produce a wide variety
of shapes and sizes.  In addition, it improves asset utilization, reduces
tooling cost and cycle time -- all of which improve Dana's cost effectiveness.
    During the hydroforming process, high-pressure fluid is utilized to expand
a tubular blank outwardly into conformance with a die cavity.  The process
yields parts with enhanced dimensional stability as compared to traditional
stampings.  Moreover, the elimination of long seam welds required to assemble
stamped clamshell side rails further improves dimensional stability.  The
result is better fit between mating parts and improved durability of the
finished assembly.
    In the case of the Ford F150 side rails, 1,300 bar or 19,000 psi fluid
pressure is utilized to form two parts in each press stroke yielding a part
every 20 seconds.  This is an industry benchmark for rails of this size.

    Serviceability
    An important feature of the frame is its four-part sectional design.  In
the event of a frontal collision, where the impact is of such force that the
frame requires repair, it can be repaired in sections rather than having to
replace the entire assembly.
    This saves body shop time and part replacement expense, reducing the
overall repair costs.

    Electrocoating
    Before shipping, specially formulated elecrocoating is applied to the
frame instead of wax.  The coating meets the same salt spray test requirement
for wax, but has the added benefit of being able to withstand higher underbody
temperatures of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Dana was a full-service provider to Ford on the computer aided engineering
(CAE) work completed on the frame as well as being actively involved in
testing, which included:  RPC, 2G full-frame bending, twist ditch, and front
brake and acceleration.
    "With this new frame design, Dana in conjunction with Ford, have given
their customers what they've been asking for, a better riding pickup truck
with enhanced safety features," said Kerry Hedden, director of engineering,
Dana Automotive Systems Group - Structural Solutions Division - Ford.  "It's
gratifying to know you've taken an already great Ford vehicle and made it just
that much better."
    Dana's Automotive Systems Group is a global partner to vehicular
manufacturers, providing integrated technology, system solutions for
automotive manufacturers. Drawing upon a century of vehicular expertise, the
group offers advanced driveline design, drivetrain torque and traction
technologies, chassis design solutions, advanced modularity concepts, complete
integrated systems engineering, and program and logistics management.
    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 employs more than 60,000 people worldwide.  Founded in 1904 and based
in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates hundreds of technology, manufacturing, and
customer service facilities in 34 countries. The company reported sales of
$10.3 billion in 2001.

SOURCE  Dana Corporation

Web site:  http: //www.dana.com

Photo:  http: //www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA AP Archive:
http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 212-782-2840

CONTACT: Kelly Moore of Dana Corporation, +1-419-482-1667, or
kelly.moore@dana.com

Company News On-Call: http: //www.prnewswire.com/gh/cnoc/comp/226839.html

CAPTION: DANA    DANA CORPORATION LOGO    Dana Corporation logo.
(PRNewsFoto)[TC]    TOLEDO, OH USA    10/30/2001