Dana Showcases Driveline Innovations Supporting Engine Downspeeding, Further Fuel Economy Improvements at 2015 Mid-America Trucking Show

LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2015 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) this week, Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) will exhibit a comprehensive lineup of driveline technologies optimized for engine downspeeding, along with additional innovations engineered to increase efficiency and fuel economy. 

Located in booth 30455, Dana will present a wide range of commercial-vehicle innovations, including:

• a new Spicer^® AdvanTEK^® Dual Range Disconnect™ concept for tandem axles used in Class 8 linehaul applications;
• a new family of single-reduction drive axles for North American commercial vehicles that leverages Dana's industry-leading AdvanTEK^® technology;
• improvements to Spicer^® carrier offerings for the aftermarket;
• the Spicer AdvanTEK 40 axle, an efficient 40,000-pound tandem axle that offers the industry's fastest axle ratio of 2.26:1;
• robust Spicer Life Series^® main driveshafts and inter-axle shafts for high-efficiency drivetrain configurations;
• Spicer^® XFE 75W-90 axle lubricant, a new synthetic gear oil proven to further increase fuel economy;
• the Spicer^® EconoTrek™ 6x2 tandem axle, which delivers up to 400 pounds of weight savings over a traditional 40,000-pound 6x4 tandem axle;
• the Spicer D-Series steer axles, which feature an integrated air disc brake (IADB) knuckle with improved vehicle stopping power and reduced maintenance without added weight;
• new, lighter weight Spicer E-Series steer axles that provide improved braking capabilities; and
• optimized Spicer tire pressure system technology for linehaul tractors.

"With an industry-wide focus on improved fuel economy and more stringent government regulations driving an aggressive trend toward reduced emissions, OEMs are pursuing solutions to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing performance," said Mark Wallace, executive vice president of Dana and group president of Dana On-Highway Driveline Technologies.  "Dana continues to develop and bring to market new solutions with innovative technologies that not only strengthen the driveline, but also integrate with all of the vehicle's systems to achieve maximum efficiency."

Spicer^® AdvanTEK^® Dual Range Disconnect™ Technology
The next generation in tandem axle technology, Dana's new Spicer AdvanTEK Dual Range Disconnect™ concept for tandem axles used in Class 8 linehaul applications enables further engine downspeeding and improves powertrain efficiency from 2 to 5 percent over conventional 40k tandem axles on the market today. 

This breakthrough tandem axle technology improves efficiency without sacrificing performance by seamlessly combining the traction and dependability offered by a 6x4 configuration with the reduced drivetrain losses and improved fuel economy of a 6x2 configuration. 

Single-Reduction Drive Axles 
Dana's new family of single-reduction drive axles for North American commercial vehicles leverages its industry-leading AdvanTEK^® technology, a common head-assembly architecture, and other proven Spicer^® axle technologies to reduce weight, improve efficiency, and enhance durability.  Available in 2016, these axles are engineered for 6x2 and 4x2 axle configurations, are lighter weight than competing axles on the market today, and feature a wide selection of ratios from 2.05:1 to 7.17:1, including fast, direct-drive ratios that support engine downspeeding. 

Aftermarket Spicer^® Carrier Program
Intended to simplify the ordering and delivery of genuine Spicer^® service carriers, Dana has enhanced its heavy-axle carrier program for the aftermarket with the launch of a new user-friendly, smart part numbering system and the addition of a new core exchange purchase option.  The new system better reflects industry standards and allows customers to easily identify axle locations, model numbers, ratios, Gross Axle Weight Ratings, and other carrier options.

Spicer^® AdvanTEK^® 40 Tandem Axle
Offering a powerful combination of high-demand features, the Spicer AdvanTEK 40 tandem axle offers improved performance and efficiency, the industry's fastest axle ratio of 2.26:1, lower axle weight, and optimum inter-axle driveline angles.  

A finalist for a 2014 Automotive News PACE Award, the tandem axle incorporates a powerful combination of technologies that can enable an engine at highway cruise speed to run up to 200 rpm lower than alternative powertrain systems while still reducing weight and increasing axle efficiency.  The product's full selection of 13 ratios from 2.26 to 3.91 and options for a variety of Class 8 applications are now available.

Spicer Life Series^® Main Driveshaft and Inter-Axle Shaft
The most robust heavy-duty driveshaft and inter-axle shaft in their class, the SPL^® 350 driveshaft and SPL^® 250 inter-axle shaft are designed to withstand the increased stress placed on the driveline by high-efficiency on-highway trucks configured for engine downspeeding, as well as severe vocational applications including heavy equipment, mining, oil fields, and road trains.

Spicer^® XFE 75W-90 Axle Lubricant
Designed to further improve fuel economy in high-efficiency drivetrain solutions, the new Spicer XFE 75W-90 axle lubricant qualifies for an initial 500,000-mile drive axle lubrication change interval.  The synthetic gear oil is specifically formulated to improve drive axle efficiency in a variety of on-highway applications.  Dana engineers have validated a number of its performance benefits, including reduced friction and spin loss, a lower stabilization temperature, and more stable viscosity during operation.

Spicer^® EconoTrek™ 6x2 Tandem Axle
Weighing up to 400 pounds less than a traditional 40,000-pound 6x4 tandem axle arrangement, the Spicer EconoTrek axle offers numerous innovations for reducing maintenance and increasing the fuel economy of heavy-duty linehaul tractors from 2 to 3 percent.

The Spicer EconoTrek 6x2 tandem axle supports the use of wide-based single tires on standard track axles with two-inch outset wheels, and a SelecTTrac^™ option provides maximum gross axle weight capability for fleets that spec 0- to 0.56-inch outset wheels for wide-based single tires.

Spicer^® D-Series Steer Axles
Available for applications with gross axle weight ratings from 10,000 to 14,600 pounds, the new Spicer D-Series steer axles feature an integrated air disc brake (IADB) knuckle that allows fleets to specify air disc brakes without a net increase in weight over most S-cam drum brake axle systems.  The steer axles enable improved vehicle stopping power and reduced maintenance without the added weight that typically results from specifying air disc brakes.

Spicer^® E-Series Steer Axles
Engineered for reduced weight and increased reliability, Spicer E-Series steer axles feature a steel-forged beam design that reduces axle weight by up to 35 pounds while still delivering the strength and torsional stiffness needed for superior vehicle braking response.  Available in the first half of 2015, they are targeted for on-highway, city delivery, and bus chassis applications with gross axle weight ratings from 10,000 to 13,200 pounds.

Optimized Tire Pressure System
Currently undergoing road testing, Dana's optimized tire pressure system technology for linehaul tractors is engineered to automatically maintain proper inflation for drive and steer axles.  This integrated system will significantly minimize total cost of ownership through reduced maintenance, lower tire costs, and maximized fuel efficiency.

About Dana Holding Corporation
Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains.  Serving three primary markets – passenger vehicle, commercial truck, and off-highway equipment – Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.  Founded in 1904 and based in Maumee, Ohio, the company employs 23,000 people in 25 countries on six continents.  In 2014, Dana generated sales of $6.6 billion.  Forbes magazine selected Dana as one of America's 100 Most Trustworthy Companies in 2014.  For more information, please visit dana.com.

SOURCE Dana Holding Corporation

Related Links

http://www.dana.com