Dana's Rolling Chassis Module Overcomes Rigors of The Amazon Jungle
Nov 9, 1999
TOLEDO, Ohio, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Corporation (NYSE: DCN) recently completed a rigorous test of its Rolling Chassis(TM) module as it sponsored a voyage across the Amazon jungle in three Dodge Dakota pickup trucks. Calling the trip the "Dana Integration," after the Highway of Integration linking Brazil and Venezuela, the company sponsored teams on a 12,000-mile journey through terrains ranging from asphalted highways to rain forest trails. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA ) Dana manufactures the Rolling Chassis(TM) module in Campo Largo, Brazil, for the Dodge Dakota pickup truck. This module represents more than 25 percent of the vehicle and incorporates more than 200 components from 66 suppliers. The Rolling Chassis(TM) module includes the frame, front and rear axles, driveshaft, suspension, steering gear, brakes, fuel tank, wiring harness, fluid lines, wheels and tires. "Dana has helped DaimlerChrysler reduce its number of suppliers while lowering the OEM's investment in its Campo Largo plant and inventory," said Mike Laisure, vice president of Dana's Modules and Systems Group. "The Rolling Chassis(TM) is an extremely durable module that is literally rolled to DaimlerChrysler's doorstep on a just-in-time basis." The group's journey began on July 15, 1999, when it left Rio de Janeiro. Forty days later, the adventurers returned to Brazil after exploring the Pantanal swampland region and the flooded Rondonia region, meeting with the Waimiri Atoari Indians, stopping in Caracas, Venezuela, and venturing through Great Savannah forest reserve at an elevation of 3,300 feet. "Even without four-wheel drive, the Dodge Dakotas maintained an excellent performance," said Joao Marcos, one of the Dana Integration drivers. "The vehicles didn't present any limitation or serious problem throughout the expedition." Dana's Automotive Systems Group provides under-the-vehicle products and integrated modules and systems to customers anywhere in the world. The Automotive Systems Group consists of Spicer(R) axle products, Spicer(R) driveshaft products, Parish(R) structural products, Nakata(R) steering and suspension products, FTE(R) Automotive 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 the aftermarket. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 330 major facilities in 32 countries and employs more than 86,000 people. The company reported sales of $12.5 billion in 1998. Dana's Internet address is http://www.dana.com .
SOURCE Dana Corporation
Photo Notes: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA
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