Dana Corporation to Continue Supplying Full-Perimeter Frames for Two Ford Motor Company Sport-Utility Vehicles

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.

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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/. 

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DATASOURCE: Dana Corporation



CONTACT:  Jeff Cole of Dana Corporation, [phone], or





Web site:  http://www.dana.com/



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