Dana Holding Corporation Develops AdvanTEK® Axle for High-Torque Commercial-Vehicle Applications

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HANNOVER, Germany, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) announced today that it will be introducing its Spicer® AdvanTEK® Model 250 in a banjo-style beam-axle design for the light-commercial-vehicle market at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Expo in Hannover, Germany, which runs through Sept. 30.  Dana will be located in Hall 17, Booth B27.

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Dana's high-performance AdvanTEK axles, which provide best-in-class noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance while offering durability and reliability, can now further assist vehicle manufacturers in meeting fuel efficiency requirements by delivering higher power density in a smaller, lighter axle.

Developed for use in light commercial vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) of 3.5 to 6 tons, the banjo-style axle serves as an alternative to conventional Salisbury designs for robust, high load-carrying applications and is particularly suited for emerging markets.  Composed of upper and lower durable steel pressings that are welded together to form the beam assembly, the banjo axle is manufactured using Dana's proprietary processes.  

The AdvanTEK M250 banjo-style beam axle also offers increased efficiency and fuel economy due to the use of reduced hypoid gear offsets and the latest bearing technology.

Additional benefits of AdvanTEK technology can include improved ground clearance and suspension alignment, which are especially useful in light-commercial-vehicle applications, as well as pickup truck and sport-utility vehicles.

"As market demands shift to accommodate consumer expectations and government regulations, our focus remains on providing innovative, cost-effective technology for today's vehicles," said Aziz Aghili, president, Dana Europe.  "This AdvanTEK banjo-style axle is a prime example of Dana's enhanced product offerings – delivering high-performance, fuel-efficient solutions globally."

Applications for Independent Rear Suspensions

Dana will also be exhibiting an AdvanTEK final drive unit that is applicable for light-commercial vehicles with independent rear suspensions.

In this configuration, the AdvanTEK Model 220 utilizes an aluminum housing, in place of cast iron, and offers improved gear geometry designed specifically for the new housing.  Both contribute to a reduction in the overall weight of the vehicle.  Durability and performance improvements are achieved through higher gear power density and by replacing the pinion tail bearing, which has been changed from a taper roller bearing to a double angular contact ball bearing.

"The axle also offers class-leading NVH, improved fuel economy, and the traditional Spicer durability and reliability that customers have come to expect," Aghili added.

About the 63rd IAA Commercial Vehicles Expo

The IAA Commercial Vehicles Expo is the most established and longest running commercial vehicle trade fair for mobility, transportation, and logistics around the world.  Held bi-annually in Hannover, Germany by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), the theme for this year's conference is "Commercial vehicles: efficient, flexible, future-proof."

About Dana Holding Corporation

Dana is a world leader in the supply of driveline products (axles and driveshafts), power technologies (sealing and thermal-management products), and genuine service parts for light and heavy manufacturers.  The company's customer base includes virtually every major vehicle manufacturer in the global automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway markets.  Based in Maumee, Ohio, the company employs approximately 22,000 people in 26 countries and reported 2009 sales of $5.2 billion.  For more information, please visit www.dana.com.

SOURCE Dana Holding Corporation