Dana Corporation Providing Axle Assembly, Driveshafts for Versatile New Ford Explorer Sport Trac
May 8, 2000
Dana Supplying Aluminum Independent Front Axle Assembly & Wheelends, Extended-Life Driveshafts Featuring Triple-Lip Universal Joint TOLEDO, Ohio, May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Corporation (NYSE: DCN) announced today that it has begun production of axle assemblies and driveshafts for the revolutionary new 2001 Explorer Sport Trac vehicle manufactured by Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F). (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA ) In support of the Sport Trac program, Dana will provide the independent aluminum front axle and wheelends, both of which will be supplied by its Buena Vista, Va., Spicer Light Truck Axle Division facility. In addition, Dana's Spicer Driveshaft Division will provide its new one- piece, extended-life driveshafts for all Sport Trac models. This includes the rear aluminum driveshafts on 4x2 versions of the Sport Trac and front and rear steel shafts on 4x4 models. The driveshafts are manufactured at Spicer Driveshaft's Louisville, Ky., and Gordonsville, Tenn., facilities. "The Sport Trac will benefit from the best in driveshaft technology, including new driveshafts with the triple-lip universal joint that are built to last the life of the vehicle," said Joe Sober, Product Director of Dana's Spicer Driveshaft operations. "Additionally, the rear aluminum shafts on the 4x2 option weigh less, which will contribute to fuel savings for consumers." Added Ismael Melgar, Vice President of Dana's Automotive Axle Products Group, "We are proud to play a supporting role in this exciting new vehicle. Dana has a long history of supplying technologically advanced axle assemblies to Ford and looks forward to continuing this legacy with next-generation vehicles such as the Explorer Sport Trac." The versatile Explorer Sport Trac is the first vehicle of its kind, combining the features of a sport utility vehicle with the added utility of a cargo bed. Geared toward active consumers, the vehicle will be available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. It will feature a 204-horsepower, 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 linked to an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission. Spicer Light Axle Group is part of Dana's Automotive Axle Products Group, which consists of more than 25 manufacturing, assembly, and research and development facilities in 16 nations. Spicer Driveshaft is the leading manufacturer and marketer of complete driveline systems for the vehicular and off-highway markets. Spicer Driveshaft has 42 manufacturing facilities and four research and development centers in 18 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. Automotive Systems Group products include Spicer(R) axle products, Spicer(R) driveshaft products, Parish(R) structural products, Nakata(R) steering and suspension, FTE(R) brake and clutch systems, and a systems engineering integration and logistics unit. Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest independent suppliers to vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 330 major facilities in 33 countries and employs more than 82,000 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.dana.com
Photo Notes: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA
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