Dana Corp.’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group has joined a new consortium with Western Michigan University’s (WMU) College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

WMU’s Center for Advanced Vehicle Design and Simulation (CAViDS) consortium is aimed at providing breakthrough computer simulation technology and knowledge to the motor vehicle industry, particularly in the areas of vehicle design and analysis. Other companies in this consortium are Eaton Corp., Mann+Hummel, and L3 Communications. Members also include two government laboratories – the Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) in Warren, Mich., and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Knoxville, Tenn.
“The CAViDS consortium provides Dana a unique opportunity to apply WMU’s intellectual and applied research resources toward future product and design advances,” said Dana’s Heavy Vehicle Products President Nick Stanage. “We are proud to partner with WMU’s respected design and simulation center and look forward to the technological advances we expect from this collaboration.”
“Dana and WMU have been working together for several years, and we are excited to formalize our relationship with this consortium,” said Prasenjit Adhikari, vice president of engineering for Dana’s Commercial Vehicle group. “Our relationship with WMU reinforces Dana’s commitment to fostering innovation and technology in the commercial vehicle industry.”
Dana’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group designs, manufactures, and markets front-steer, rear-drive, trailer, and auxiliary axles; driveshafts; steering shafts; suspensions; and related systems, modules, and services for the commercial vehicle market. Major components and modules are marketed under the Spicer brand name. Dana’s strategic marketing alliance with Eaton Corp.’s Truck Components group provides innovative drivetrain systems under the Roadranger brand name.