Dana Corporation's Spicer Axle and Driveshaft Groups to Supply Isuzu Axiom

Dec 4, 2000

    TOLEDO, Ohio, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Corporation's (NYSE: DCN) Spicer
Light Vehicle Axle and Spicer Driveshaft Groups announced today that they will
provide rear axle assemblies and rear main driveshafts for Isuzu's new 2002
Axiom, a versatile sport utility based on Isuzu's popular Rodeo platform.
    Dana will begin production of the Spicer rear axles in January 2001 in
support of the 2002 model year vehicles. The rear axle assemblies, with
limited slip differentials, will be produced at Dana's Columbia, Mo., Spicer
Light Vehicle Axle Group facility and delivered to Subaru-Isuzu Automotive,
Inc. West Lafayette, Ind., assembly plant.
    "Dana's world-class technology has enabled us to develop products that
will help support the stringent warranty requirements required for the Isuzu
Axiom," said Ismael Melgar, president of automotive axle products. "We are
able to provide exactly what Isuzu was looking for, a crossover vehicle that
delivers rugged sport utility capabilities combined with the fine handling and
noise refinement of a passenger car."
    In addition, Dana's Spicer Driveshaft Group will provide a combination of
1310 series steel and Spicer Lite(TM) aluminum rear main driveshafts for all
Isuzu Axiom models.  The complete aluminum slip-between center driveshafts
were selected for their weight reduction, corrosion resistance and enhanced
NVH characteristics. The shafts are manufactured at Spicer Driveshaft Group's
Gordonsville, Tenn. facility.
    "Spicer Driveshaft has been a pioneer in the use of lightweight
alternative materials in automotive applications," said Joe Sober, vice
president and general manager for Spicer Driveshaft.  "Spicer introduced the
first production aluminum driveshaft in 1983 and continues to develop advanced
power transfer solutions to enhance vehicle performance, reduce weight and
improve gas mileage."
    The Axiom is geared toward the consumer seeking a crossover vehicle that
delivers the capabilities of an SUV while providing the on-road handling
characteristics of a car. It will feature a 230-horsepower, 3.5-liter DOHC V-6
linked to a four-speed automatic transmission.
    The Spicer Light Vehicle Axle Group is part of Dana's global automotive
axle operations, which consist of more than 25 manufacturing, assembly, and
research and development facilities in 16 nations.  The Spicer Driveshaft
Group is the leading manufacturer and marketer of complete driveline systems
for the global vehicular industry.  The Spicer Driveshaft Group has
52 facilities and eight research and development centers in over 20 countries.
    The axle and driveshaft operations are part of Dana's Automotive Systems
Group, which provides under-the-vehicle products, integrated modules and
systems to customers anywhere in the world.  The Automotive Systems Group
encompasses advanced innovations in driveline systems including Spicer(R)
axles and driveshafts, structures and chassis systems, Nakata(R) steering and
suspensions, FTE(R) automotive brake and clutch systems, and a systems
engineering integration and logistics unit.
    Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers to vehicle
manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. Founded in 1904 and based in
Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 320 major facilities in 32 countries
and employs more than 80,000 people. The company reported sales of
$13.2 billion in 1999. Dana's Internet address is http://www.dana.com .


SOURCE Dana Corporation

Web Site: http://www.spicerdriveshaft.com http://www.dana.com

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