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Dana's Rolling Chassis Module Overcomes Rigors of The Amazon Jungle

10 November 1999

Dana's Rolling Chassis Module Overcomes Rigors of The Amazon Jungle DANA CORPORATION LOGO Dana Corporation logo. DM] TOLEDO, OH USA 09/03/1999    

    TOLEDO, Ohio, Nov. 9 -- Dana Corporation recently
completed a rigorous test of its Rolling Chassis(TM) module as it sponsored a
voyage across the Amazon jungle in three Dodge Dakota pickup trucks.  Calling
the trip the "Dana Integration," after the Highway of Integration linking
Brazil and Venezuela, the company sponsored teams on a 12,000-mile journey
through terrains ranging from asphalted highways to rain forest trails.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA )
    Dana manufactures the Rolling Chassis(TM) module in Campo Largo, Brazil,
for the Dodge Dakota pickup truck.  This module represents more than 25
percent of the vehicle and incorporates more than 200 components from 66
suppliers.  The Rolling Chassis(TM) module includes the frame, front and rear
axles, driveshaft, suspension, steering gear, brakes, fuel tank, wiring
harness, fluid lines, wheels and tires.
    "Dana has helped DaimlerChrysler reduce its number of suppliers while
lowering the OEM's investment in its Campo Largo plant and inventory," said
Mike Laisure, vice president of Dana's Modules and Systems Group.  "The
Rolling Chassis(TM) is an extremely durable module that is literally rolled
to DaimlerChrysler's doorstep on a just-in-time basis."
    The group's journey began on July 15, 1999, when it left Rio de Janeiro.
Forty days later, the adventurers returned to Brazil after exploring the
Pantanal swampland region and the flooded Rondonia region, meeting with the
Waimiri Atoari Indians, stopping in Caracas, Venezuela, and venturing
through Great Savannah forest reserve at an elevation of 3,300 feet.
    "Even without four-wheel drive, the Dodge Dakotas maintained an excellent
performance," said Joao Marcos, one of the Dana Integration drivers.  "The
vehicles didn't present any limitation or serious problem throughout the
expedition."
    Dana's Automotive Systems Group provides under-the-vehicle products and
integrated modules and systems to customers anywhere in the world.  The
Automotive Systems Group consists of Spicer(R) axle products, Spicer(R)
driveshaft products, Parish(R) structural products, Nakata(R) steering and
suspension products, FTE(R) Automotive brake and clutch systems, and a
systems engineering integration and logistics unit.
    Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest independent suppliers to
vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket. Founded in 1904 and based in
Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 330 major facilities in 32 countries
and employs more than 86,000 people. The company reported sales of
$12.5 billion in 1998. Dana's Internet address is http://www.dana.com .