TOLEDO, Ohio, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dana Corporation
(NYSE: DCN) announced today that it has been awarded a contract to continue
supplying full-perimeter frames for the redesigned 2007 Ford Expedition and
Lincoln Navigator, as well as the all-new Expedition EL and Navigator L.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA)
The frames will be produced using Dana's proprietary RoboClamp(TM)
technology, which allows Dana to achieve hydroformed rail lengths of up to
four meters (approximately 13 feet). This is significant considering the
Expedition EL will be more than 18 feet long.
The hydroformed side rail consists of a single-piece tubular design, which
eliminates multiple stampings, reduces welding, and results in significant
weight reduction, compared to traditional frame construction, while also
conforming to the packaging constraints of the vehicles.
"Dana's frame provides the foundation for the vehicle and is instrumental
in defining several aspects of the vehicle's performance," said Michael J.
Burns, Dana chairman and CEO. "These hydroformed frames provide Ford with the
ability to reduce part complexity, improve assembly, and increase vehicle
safety, while also providing end consumers with an improved ride."
Dana has been supplying the frames for Expedition and Navigator since
their introduction in 1997. Depending on the engine and transmission
configuration, Dana also supplies the transmission oil cooler, various
gaskets, and fluid-transfer products.
The Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator have both received the
government's highest five-star frontal crash test rating six years in a row.
Dana has been named to the Ford Family of Strategic Suppliers, an elite
list of suppliers that are part of the automaker's Aligned Business Framework.
The program is designed to give select suppliers longer contracts and higher
work volumes in order to drive technology advancements. The selection process
included research of product quality, technology, delivery performance,
program management abilities, and the capabilities to produce in China and the
Asia/Pacific region.
Dana people design and manufacture products for every major vehicle
producer in the world. Dana is focused on being an essential partner to
automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively
produce more than 60 million vehicles annually. A leading supplier of
drivetrain, chassis, structural, and engine technologies, Dana employs 46,000
people in 28 countries. Based in Toledo, Ohio, the company reported sales of
$9 billion in 2004. Dana's Internet address is http://www.dana.com.
SOURCE Dana Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.dana.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/226839.html
CONTACT:
Jeff Cole of Dana Corporation,
+1-419-887-3535, or jeff.cole@dana.com
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