Dana Corp., Toledo, Ohio, has formed a new strategic business unit, the Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group.

The business unit integrates the operations of the Off-Highway Systems Group and Commercial Vehicle Systems, which were formerly separate strategic business units.
As president of the new business unit, Nick Cole will lead the integration of people, plants, and equipment of the two groups, which in 2001 had combined sales of $1.7 billion, 27 major facilities, five technical centers, and 7,500 people. This will produce a leaner, stronger organization dedicated to growing Dana's business with off-highway and commercial vehicle customers around the world.
"Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems will maintain a dedicated focus on both Dana's off-highway vehicle customers and our commercial vehicle customers," said Cole. "Our ability to serve each of these markets will be strengthened by new opportunities to share product and process innovations and to utilize combined manufacturing resources and support services."
Within HVTSG, the Commercial Vehicle Systems Group will remain focused on on-highway vehicles for transport over six tons and related support vehicles. Its products include Spicer heavy axle and brake products, medium and heavy-duty driveshafts, Spicer trailer products, and complete Roadranger modules and systems (in conjunction with Eaton Corporation). It has dedicated R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and assembly operations. Norm Boisvert has been named vice president of the Commercial Vehicle Systems Group.
The Off-Highway Systems Group will continue within HVTSG to be a full systems supplier of Spicer axles and brakes, transaxles, transmissions, driveshafts, torque converters, and electronic controls for the construction, agricultural, material handling, mining, forestry, specialty chassis, and other industrial markets. It also has dedicated R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and assembly operations. Mike Watkins has been named vice president of the Off-Highway Systems Group.