4.7-Liter Grand Cherokee Takes Four Wheeler Magazine's Top Honor

TOLEDO, Ohio, Nov. 27 -- Dana Corporation congratulates the Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler AG on being named Four Wheeler magazine's ``Four Wheeler of the Year'' for its 2002 Jeep® Grand Cherokee (4.7-liter High-Output V8 engine), which features Dana's patented Hydra-Lok(TM) speed-sensing limited slip differential technology. This award marks the fourth time the Grand Cherokee has won this prestigious title -- more than any other vehicle since the publication established the award in 1974.

``Dana has been a proud partner with the Jeep brand since its inception during World War II,'' said Dana Automotive Systems Group President Bill Carroll. ``We're pleased to carry forward this partnership with the all-new Jeep Liberty, which was named first runner up by Four Wheeler, giving DaimlerChrysler the top two spots in the competition.'' The Liberty features a Dana independent front axle, the first technology of its kind on a Jeep vehicle.

Four Wheeler editors hailed the SUV's versatility: ``Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland outclassed the other vehicles in the 'Four Wheeler of the Year' competition with its outstanding performance, excellent off-road capability, superb on-road ride and handling, and top-of-the-line interior,'' said Jon Thompson, Four Wheeler editor. ``It's clear that Jeep engineers have a long history of building true 4x4 sport-utility vehicles. The Jeep brand created the SUV market and maintains its leadership in this segment.''

``Jeep vehicles have long been the sport utility benchmark for four wheeling and on-road ride. The Dana limited slip differential technology, integral to the Quadra-Drive system offered by Jeep Grand Cherokee, provides a clear off-road advantage over its rivals,'' Carroll added.

The limited-slip differential works by sensing and compensating for wheel slippage. The difference in side-to-side wheel slippage activates a hydraulic pump -- transferring torque to the wheel with traction. This results in an intelligent axle, providing unparalleled traction and versatility without the use of an advanced traction control system.

The Four Wheeler of the Year Award provides annual recognition based on outstanding on and off-road performance. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland and Jeep Liberty outperformed seven rivals in a variety of driving conditions.

Dana has a history of developing industry-standard torque management systems. Along with the world-renowned Hydra-Lok(TM), recent product developments include the Dual Advantage(TM) dual disconnect system, and the TXT(TM) limited-slip differential.

Dana's Traction Technologies Group consists of 25 manufacturing, assembly, and research facilities in 16 countries. The group encompasses a wide variety of traction-oriented solutions -- from individual components to the gearless technologies of tomorrow. Its operations span six continents and are strategically located to efficiently address the evolving demands of light-vehicle OEMs.

The Traction Technologies Group is part of Dana's Automotive Systems Group, a leading provider of under-the-vehicle integration technologies for automotive manufacturers worldwide. The group offers advanced driveline design solutions, complete integrated systems engineering, and logistics, drawing upon nearly a century of expertise in the following products: Spicer® axles and driveshafts; GETRAG® differentials, PTUs, and transaxles; structures and chassis systems; Nakata® steering and suspension systems; FTE® brake and clutch actuation systems; TTC and Tremec® transmissions; and all-wheel driveline systems engineering from Drive-Tek(TM), a Dana/GKN joint venture.

Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers of components, modules and complete systems to global vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 300 major facilities in 34 countries and employs approximately 75,000 people. The company reported sales of $12.3 billion in 2000. Dana's Internet address is www.dana.com .