Dana Acquires Majority Interest in Brazil's Largest Suspension Components Producer

    TOLEDO, Ohio, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Corporation (NYSE: DCN)
announced today that, through a Brazilian subsidiary, it has acquired
approximately 98 percent of the capital of Nakata S.A. Industria e Comercio of
Sao Paulo, Brazil.  The stock acquired includes publicly held shares that were
tendered in an offer on the Brazilian stock exchange, as well as the entire
interest of the founding Nakata family.  Terms of the agreement with the
Nakata family were not disclosed.
    Founded in 1952, Nakata and its subsidiaries are the leading Brazilian
manufacturers of suspension components, such as tie rods and ball joints.
Nakata also manufactures shock absorbers, and a Nakata subsidiary produces
suspension components in Argentina.  The combined Nakata group, including
plants in Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, had 1997 sales in excess of
$110 million.
    "Our customers seek increasing depth and breadth of capabilities from
their suppliers," said Bill Carroll, president of Dana's Automotive Components
Group.  "Dana's investment in Nakata reflects our commitment to growing our
selected businesses and supporting our customers on a global basis.  We
welcome Nakata and its people to the Dana family."
    Added Mike Laisure, Dana's vice president of Modular Systems, "Nakata has
a broad product line and a depth of technical capability -- including more
than 50 degreed engineers -- that is unmatched in its markets.  Together with
Dana's other structural and driveline components, Nakata's products make Dana
the leading supplier of suspension components to the Mercosur marketplace and
clearly enhance our capability to provide modular solutions to our global
customers' needs."
    Chedo Eterovic, president of Dana South America, said that since 1996 Dana
has completed eight acquisitions and created one joint venture on the
continent.  "Along with Dana's strong internal growth, acquisitions like
Nakata have helped Dana and its affiliates grow sales in South America to more
$1 billion annually," he said.  "Combined with our more than 40 years of
experience in South America, Nakata provides Dana with valuable resources to
serve its global customers."
    Dana's Automotive Components Group encompasses the company's global light
axle, driveshaft, and structural components businesses, and its suspension and
light modular systems operations.  The group has 91 facilities in
22 countries.
    Dana Corporation is a global leader in the engineering, manufacture, and
distribution of products and services for the automotive, engine, heavy truck,
off-highway, industrial, and leasing markets.  Founded in 1904 and based in
Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates facilities in 30 countries and employs more than
50,000 people.  The company reported record sales of $8.3 billion in 1997.
The Internet address for Dana's home page is www.dana.com.

SOURCE  Dana Corporation

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

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CONTACT: Gary Corrigan of Dana, 419-535-4813