Dana Corp. Awarded $600 Million Contract By Light Truck Producer.(Brief Article)

Dana Corp. said that it has won a contract with a "major North American original- equipment manufacturer" to supply torque management systems and "complete structural solutions" for a future pickup truck platform. Dana said the program, which is scheduled for launch as early as 2003, will encompass vehicles manufactured in North America and South America.

The business, for the life of the contract, is worth nearly $600 million, Dana said, with annual volumes approaching 300,000 units annually, according to the manufacturer's estimates. The torque management systems will feature driveshaft assemblies that contain Spicer Life Series universal joints.

The u-joints contain triple lip seals for improved grease retention, seal guards that provide a barrier to external contaminants, and nylon thrust washers for improved flex effort and virtually no trunnion wear, according to Dana. The systems will be supplied by Dana's Spicer Driveshaft group.

Additionally, Dana's Structural Solutions Group is constructing a new, technologically advanced facility to supply complete structures for the project. The facility will have an innovative approach to supply-chain management and will be 100-percent connected to its suppliers, allowing Dana to be more flexible in responding to its customer's needs, the company said.

The new facility will also reduce the time necessary for delivery of the product by employing advanced line-sequencing techniques, Dana said. "This is an exciting piece of new business, which substantiates Dana's strategy to strengthen our advanced chassis and drivetrain systems capabilities globally, while providing long-term earnings growth for our shareholders," said Joe Magliochetti, Dana chairman and CEO.

Bill Carroll, president of Dana's Automotive Systems Group. "This new business is an excellent example of Dana's resolve to be a integrated partner with our customers -- as well as Dana affiliations around the globe -- to deliver technologically advanced products and services with the advantage of local content."

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