The Dana Corporation announced in a press release dated April 16, 2003, that it is supplying light-duty rear steerable axles for Delphi’s revolutionary Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system for a number of current General Motors trucks.
"We are proud to include our expertise within the Quadrasteer system, and we look forward to working on additional opportunities with Delphi," says Joe Magliochetti, Dana’s chairman and CEO. "This business is another example of our commitment to being a world-class provider of advanced driveline systems and sophisticated components that add to the consumer driving experience."
Bill Carroll, president of Dana’s Automotive Systems Group, adds that "Dana has been an automotive industry leader in steerable beam axles for years. This arrangement with Delphi enables Dana to provide its expertise and knowledge as a recognized axle authority. The result was a successful launch of an industry-first, rear-steerable axle for use in light vehicular trucks."
The Quadrasteer system is an electronic four-wheel steering system that significantly improves handling and maneuverability in full-size vehicles. The unique four-wheel steering system electronically controls the direction of the rear wheels, resulting in a 20-percent improvement in turning radius. The smaller radius allows full-size vehicles to maneuver as adeptly as a compact car.
The Quadrasteer system employs an axle well known in the industry: a Dana Model 60. Dana made several design modifications to assure the axle fit within specified space parameters and met durability standards and axle-weight ratings, all without disturbing the vehicle’s full-perimeter frame design, which would have added significant cost.
Newly designed steering knuckles and an integrated cast spring seat and tube yoke provide the necessary turning radius and required strength to deliver maneuverability and dependable service.
Quadrasteer is offered on many Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pick-up trucks, as well as some Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon sport-utility vehicles.
Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. The company employs more than 60,000 people worldwide. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates hundreds of technology, manufacturing, and customer service facilities in 30 countries. The company reported 2002 sales of $9.5 billion.
For more information, contact Jeff Cole at (419) 535-4704, or visit the company’s Web site at [www.dana.com].
