Dana Supplying Propshafts for First Volkswagen Pickup Truck

MAUMEE, Ohio, March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) announced today that it has begun supplying Spicer Life Series® propshafts for Volkswagen's all-new midsize pickup truck, the 2010 Amarok.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA )

Available in two- and four-wheel-drive versions, the four-door, double-cab Amarok is powered by two turbocharged direct-injection common-rail diesel engines.  The pickup truck launched in South America early this year and will also be sold in Europe, Russia, Australia, and South Africa.  A single-cab version is scheduled for release in the first half of 2011.

"Dana's longstanding relationship with Volkswagen has allowed us to integrate our engineering into the development of this vehicle, creating the best possible product designs for the customer," said Harro Burmann, president of Dana South America.  "Dana has had a presence in Argentina for more than 50 years, equipping us to provide localized engineering, testing, and validation support in addition to our manufacturing center in Buenos Aires."

The lightweight design of Spicer Life Series® propshafts provide greater performance, ride, and handling.  The steel propshaft utilizes Dana's magnetic-arc welding technology, which ensures precise component orientation, substantially improving initial propshaft balance characteristics.  Staked-and-centered cardan universal joints eliminate unwanted looseness and provide a smoother, high-speed dynamic performance.  

"Our engineers have developed products to help Volkswagen break into the midsize truck market by ensuring that on- and off-road drivers experience a smooth and quiet ride on diverse terrains," said Dana Chief Technical Officer George Constand.  "As the sole independent driveshaft manufacturer in the South American region, Dana has the global engineering expertise to contribute to Volkswagen's first pickup truck platform."

Dana's propshafts were put to the ultimate test as the Volkswagen Amarok served as the official support vehicle to the Dakar Rally, an annual off-road automobile race, held in the Andes Mountains Jan. 1-17, 2010.  Since 1978, amateur and professional drivers have participated in this off-road race, crossing dunes, mud, camel grass, and rocks in daily stages that vary from short distances up to 560 miles each.

Dana will manufacture the propshafts at its facility in Buenos Aries, Argentina, and ship them to Volkswagen's facility nearby.

About Dana Holding Corporation

Dana is a world leader in the supply of axles; driveshafts; and structural, sealing, and thermal-management products; as well as genuine service parts.  The company's customer base includes virtually every major vehicle manufacturer in the global automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway markets.  Based in Maumee, Ohio, the company employs approximately 24,000 people in 26 countries and reported 2009 sales of $5.2 billion.  For more information, please visit www.dana.com.

SOURCE Dana Holding Corporation