Partnership between DaimlerChrysler and Dana Corporation: Strong as ever

In the news: Dana Corporation has announced recently that they will be supplying Spicer® front and rear axles and Spicer Life Series ® front and rear propshafts that are to be used for the new 2007 Jeep® Wrangler. The better improved axles and Spicer Life Series propshafts are designed to minimize NVH short for noise, vibration, and harshness while the propshafts are created to improve crash performance.

Dana has been supplying axles and propshafts for the Jeep Wrangler since the Willys MA was first introduced in 1941 resulting to over 60 years of strong partnership. “Dana is pleased to extend its historic relationship with this vehicle by providing enhanced axles and new propshaft technology for the new 2007 Jeep Wrangler. By working closely with the Chrylser Group, we have been able to reduce component complexity whil eoproviding drivers with advanced drivetrain technology,” said Michael J. Burns, Dana Chairman and CEO.

Dana supplies the front and rear steel propshafts for the standard and extended-wheelbase versions of the Wrangler. The front propshafts are highlighted by the staked-and-centered cardan universal joints, which enhance refinement and high-speed dynamic performance.

The propshafts that Dana will be supplying for both the standard and extended-wheelbase versions are characterized by a splined-tube design that enables additional force beyond a straight-tube design. The technology used for manufacturing the propshafts guarantees accurate component orientation which is vital in improving the balance of the characteristics of the propshaft.

On the other hand the Spicer front and rear axles are balanced for improved NVH. The rear axles are offered with an optional Spicer Trac-Lok® limited slip differential. Aside from the axles and propshafts supplied by Dana, the new 2007 Jeep Wrangler will also feature a Victor Reinz® cylinder head cover assembly on the 2.4 L engine and exhaust manifold gaskets on the 4.0L Power Tech engine.

For the other auto parts like Jeep distributor rotor for instance that is used on the new Wrangler, DaimlerChrysler the parent company of Jeep supplies it together with the rest of the Jeep accessories that it needs.

About Dana Corporation
Dana Corporation is the leading supplier of drivetrain, chassis, structural, and engine technologies. The company also design and manufacture products for every major vehicle and engine producer in the world. It is based in Toledo, Ohio with operations around the world. Dana Corporation is focusing all its efforts to become the essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers. In the year 2005, Dana has reported sales totaling to $8.6 billion.

Unfortunately at present Dana together with some of its subsidiaries are operating under Chapter 11 of the US bankruptcy Code which makes them debtors in possession. Details on the bankruptcy proceedings may be viewed at the dana.com/reorganization. As Dana continues with its reorganization under Chapter 11, investments in its securities are highly tentative. Although shares of Dana common stock continue to trade on the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol “DCNAQ”, the trading prices may have little or no relationship to the actual recovery if ever the holders under any eventual court-approved reorganization plan. The opportunity for any recovery by holders of Dana common stock under such reorganization plan is still uncertain and shares of Dana common stock may be cancelled without any compensation pursuant to such plan.