Dana Corp. announced several actions related to the realignment of its Automotive Systems Group.

The company will integrate its global traction technologies and torque management businesses, forming the new Dana Torque and Traction Technologies Group.
In conjunction with this effort, the operations will integrate their divisional headquarters and global engineering, research, and development centers in a new Automotive Systems Group Technology Center to be located in the Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan region. Construction of the new facility -- which will also house and integrate a broad range of Automotive Systems Group disciplines -- will begin this summer and is expected to conclude by the end of 2003.
Dana Chairman and CEO Joe Magliochetti said the moves support several key strategies. "The integration of these businesses will enable our light axle and driveshaft operations to recognize a number of operational synergies," he said. "At the same time, the move will enhance technology sharing, improve our capacity to respond quickly and effectively to marketplace demands, and expand our ability to provide advanced driveline systems and modules to our global customers."
The new Automotive Systems Group Technology Center will be home to Dana's World Center of Axle Technology and several related operations currently located in Fort Wayne, Ind., as well as the company's World Center of Driveshaft Technology, now located in Holland, Ohio. The facility will also accommodate a variety of Automotive Systems Group resources, including significant engineering, sales and marketing, and information technology operations.
Together, Dana's Torque and Traction Technologies Group consists of more than 65 facilities on six continents. The group is a leading global manufacturer of complete driveline systems and modules for the vehicular, off- highway, and industrial markets. It also encompasses a wide variety of traction-oriented solutions -- from individual axle components to the gearless technologies of tomorrow.