Dana

Dana Incorporated is a United States-based automotive technology and components supplier headquartered in Maumee, Ohio. Its roots go back to Clarence W. Spicer's 1904 production of universal joints for automobiles. The business developed from a specialist driveline manufacturer into a diversified supplier of axles, driveshafts, universal joints, transmissions, transfer cases, sealing systems, thermal-management equipment, electronic controls, and electric propulsion systems. The company serves several vehicle categories rather than a single consumer-facing automobile brand. Its customers include manufacturers of passenger cars, light trucks, commercial vehicles, buses, heavy-duty trucks, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and other off-highway vehicles. Dana's products are commonly integrated into original equipment supplied to vehicle manufacturers, while the Spicer, Victor Reinz, Dana TM4, Graziano, Fairfield, and related names also support aftermarket, industrial, and specialist applications. Drivetrain technology remains central to the business. Dana supplies conventional axles, driveshafts, universal joints, transfer cases, and transmission-related systems for vehicles using internal-combustion engines. Its portfolio also extends to hybrid and battery-electric platforms, including e-axles, electric motors, inverters, electronic controls, electrified transaxles, and integrated thermal systems. The company's electrification strategy expanded through its investment in TM4, acquisitions connected with electric powertrains, and purchases of software and control expertise. Dana's corporate history includes international expansion, acquisitions, a major restructuring, and a 2006 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The company emerged from bankruptcy after a financial reorganization that included cancellation of a large number of shares. It subsequently rebuilt its portfolio through acquisitions and increased emphasis on electrification and advanced vehicle systems. In 2018 and 2019, it added significant electric-drive, transmission, controls, and specialized engineering capabilities through investments and acquisitions. In 2021 it acquired Pi Innovo, a company focused on embedded controls and software for vehicle systems. Dana operates internationally and, according to the cited company profile material, employs nearly 28,000 people across 33 countries. It is a Fortune 500 company and remains listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DAN. The company reported sales of approximately $10.2 billion for 2022, according to the cited Wikipedia reference. Its current positioning centers on engineering-intensive mobility systems that can support conventional, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles, with particular emphasis on efficiency, durability, integrated controls, and lower-emission transportation.

Dana's history began in 1904, when engineer and inventor Clarence W. Spicer started manufacturing universal joints in Plainfield, New Jersey. The first C.W. Spicer universal joints were shipped that year to Corbin Motor Company in Connecticut. The early product addressed a fundamental problem in automobile drivetrains: transmitting power through an articulated shaft while allowing changes in alignment and movement. The company was incorporated as Spicer Universal Joint Manufacturing Company in 1905 and adopted the name Spicer Manufacturing Company in 1909. It moved to South Plainfield, New Jersey, in 1910. Charles Dana joined the company in 1914 and later became one of its central business leaders. Spicer was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1922, reflecting the transformation of a specialist component maker into a larger industrial enterprise. International expansion followed. In 1925, Spicer took an interest in an English licensee, which became Hardy Spicer. This established an early overseas connection for the company and helped spread its driveline technology beyond the United States. In 1946, Charles Dana became president and treasurer, and the company was renamed Dana Corporation. Spicer continued as the principal brand for many of the company's driveline products. Over subsequent decades, Dana broadened its business beyond universal joints and driveshafts. The acquisition of Perfect Circle in 1963 expanded the company's presence in engine-related components and sealing products. Dana also developed a wider international and industrial footprint, including its investment in Wolverhampton-based Turner Manufacturing in 1972 and the later acquisition of the remaining shares. The company became an important supplier of axles, driveshafts, transfer cases, sealing products, thermal-management equipment, and other systems used in light vehicles, commercial vehicles, and off-highway machinery. Its product identity was built around the Spicer name, while the corporate portfolio increasingly included multiple technical and regional brands. Dana faced significant financial difficulties in the 2000s and filed for bankruptcy protection in 2006. Its restructuring included the cancellation of 150 million shares in 2007. The post-reorganization company continued operating under the Dana name and pursued a strategy based on technology, international scale, and portfolio development. A major later transition was the move into electrified propulsion. In 2018, Dana announced the purchase of a majority stake in TM4, a company specializing in electric powertrains. In 2019, Dana acquired Italy-based SME Group, purchased the Drive Systems segment of Oerlikon Group—including Graziano Trasmissioni, Fairfield, and the VOCIS electronic-controls business—and acquired Nordresa Motors. These transactions strengthened Dana's electric-drive, transmission, controls, and vehicle-integration capabilities. In 2021, the acquisition of Pi Innovo added further embedded-control and software expertise. Dana also demonstrated manufacturing flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Maumee used 3D printing to make components for face shields. Today, Dana supplies conventional, hybrid, and electric vehicle systems to global automotive and off-highway markets. The company remains headquartered in Maumee, is publicly traded as DAN, and is described in the reference material as employing nearly 28,000 people in 33 countries.

1. 2021Pi Innovo is acquired

   Dana acquires Pi Innovo to strengthen its embedded controls and vehicle-software capabilities.

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2. 2020Additive manufacturing supports face-shield production

   Dana's Maumee advanced manufacturing facility uses 3D printing to produce face-shield components during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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3. 2019Dana completes a series of technology acquisitions

   Dana acquires SME Group, Oerlikon's Drive Systems segment, and Nordresa Motors, expanding its transmission, controls, electric-powertrain, and vehicle-integration capabilities.

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4. 2018Dana announces majority investment in TM4

   The company announces a C$165 million agreement to acquire a majority interest in electric-powertrain specialist TM4.

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5. 2007Post-bankruptcy share cancellation

   Dana cancels 150 million shares during its restructuring.

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6. 2006Dana files for bankruptcy protection

   The company enters Chapter 11 as part of a major financial restructuring.

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7. 1972Dana invests in Turner Manufacturing

   Dana buys a 35 percent stake in the British engineering company Turner Manufacturing and later acquires the remaining shares.

   Source
8. 1963Perfect Circle is acquired

   Dana acquires Perfect Circle, broadening its component and sealing-related activities.

   Source
9. 1946The company becomes Dana Corporation

   Charles Dana becomes president and treasurer, and the corporate name changes to Dana Corporation.

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10. 1925International expansion through Hardy Spicer

    Spicer takes a holding in an English licensee that becomes Hardy Spicer.

    Source
11. 1922Spicer is listed on the New York Stock Exchange

    The company becomes publicly traded on the NYSE.

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12. 1909The company adopts the Spicer Manufacturing Company name

    The business changes its corporate name as it develops its universal-joint manufacturing operations.

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13. 1905Spicer Universal Joint Manufacturing Company is incorporated

    The early business is formally incorporated.

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14. 1904Clarence W. Spicer begins manufacturing universal joints

    Spicer starts producing universal joints in Plainfield, New Jersey, and ships the first C.W. Spicer units to Corbin Motor Company.

    Source

An engineering-led global automotive supplier positioned around durable drivetrain systems and the transition from conventional propulsion to hybrid and battery-electric mobility.

• Spicer axlesDrivetrain

  Dana's Spicer axle portfolio covers light-vehicle, commercial-vehicle, heavy-duty, and off-highway applications. Named axle families in the reference material include Dana 23, 25, 27, 30, 35, 44, 50, 53, 60, 70, 80, and S 110. These systems are designed to transfer engine or motor torque to the wheels while meeting different load, packaging, and durability requirements.

• Driveshafts and universal jointsDrivetrain1904

  Driveshafts and universal joints are foundational Dana products, tracing back to Clarence Spicer's original 1904 invention and manufacturing business. The systems accommodate changes in angle and movement within vehicle drivetrains and are supplied under the Spicer identity for automotive, commercial, agricultural, and industrial applications.

• Dana eS-series electric axlesElectrification

  Dana's electrified axle range includes products such as the eS1100r 48V e-Axle, eS4500r, eS9000r, eS13.0Xr e-Drive Axle, eS17D, and eS20D. These integrated systems combine electric propulsion components with axle functions for hybrid and battery-electric commercial and off-highway vehicle platforms.

• Dana TM4 electric powertrainsElectrification2018

  Dana TM4 products focus on electric motors and powertrain systems for electrified vehicles. Dana's majority investment in TM4 in 2018 formed part of its effort to expand from mechanical driveline components into integrated electric propulsion, including motor, power electronics, and system-level engineering capabilities.

• Victor Reinz sealing systemsSealing

  Victor Reinz is Dana's sealing brand and includes sealing products used in engines, transmissions, drivetrains, and other vehicle systems. The business reflects Dana's expansion beyond driveline hardware into components that help manage fluid containment, pressure, heat, and reliability in conventional and electrified vehicles.

• Thermal-management systemsThermal management

  Dana supplies thermal-management equipment for vehicle powertrains and electrified systems. Such products support temperature control for motors, batteries, inverters, transmissions, and related components, helping maintain operating efficiency and durability across conventional, hybrid, and electric platforms.

• Transfer casesDrivetrain

  Dana transfer cases distribute torque between driven axles in four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicle architectures. The reference material identifies Dana 18, 20, 21, 24, and 300 transfer-case families, associated particularly with utility, truck, and off-highway drivetrain applications.

• 2020Pandemic face-shield component production

  United States

  Dana used 3D-printing capacity at its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Maumee, Ohio, to make components for face shields during the COVID-19 response.

  Outcome. The facility contributed manufacturing capacity to pandemic protective-equipment efforts.

  Source

• 2021Acquisition of Pi InnovoM&A

  Vehicle electrification and integrated mechatronic systems increased the importance of embedded software and electronic controls.

  What changed. Dana acquired Pi Innovo, a Michigan-based developer of embedded controls and software for vehicle systems.

  Aftermath. The acquisition added software and controls expertise to Dana's electrification and vehicle-systems business.

  Source
• 2019Acquisition of Oerlikon's Drive Systems segmentM&A

  Dana pursued additional transmission, driveline, and electronic-control capabilities for conventional and electrified vehicle platforms.

  What changed. Dana purchased Oerlikon Group's Drive Systems segment, including Graziano Trasmissioni, Fairfield, and the VOCIS electronic-controls business.

  Aftermath. The acquisition broadened Dana's transmission, off-highway, and electronic-control portfolio.

  Source
• 2018Majority investment in TM4M&A

  Dana sought to strengthen its position in electric propulsion as vehicle manufacturers increased development of hybrid and battery-electric platforms.

  What changed. The company announced an agreement to acquire a majority stake in TM4 for C$165 million.

  Aftermath. The transaction expanded Dana's electric-motor and powertrain capabilities and supported its broader electrification strategy.

  Transaction value. C$165 million (2018 announcement)

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• 2022Dana reports 2022 sales of approximately $10.2 billion

  The reference material reports approximately $10.2 billion in sales for 2022.

  Other
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• 2021Dana acquires Pi Innovo

  Dana acquired Pi Innovo, a Plymouth, Michigan company specializing in embedded controls and software used in vehicle systems.

  M&A
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• 2020Dana uses additive manufacturing to support pandemic response

  Dana's Advanced Manufacturing Center in Maumee used 3D printers to produce components for face shields during the coronavirus pandemic.

  Other
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• 2019Dana expands its electrification and transmission portfolio

  Dana acquired SME Group, the Drive Systems segment of Oerlikon Group, and Nordresa Motors, adding engineering, transmission, electric-powertrain, and vehicle-integration capabilities.

  M&A
  Source
• 2018Dana agrees to acquire a majority interest in TM4

  Dana announced an agreement to purchase a majority stake in TM4, a Canadian developer of electric motors and powertrains, for C$165 million, reported in the reference material as approximately US$127 million at the time.

  M&A
  Source
• 2007Dana cancels 150 million shares during restructuring

  As part of its post-bankruptcy restructuring, Dana canceled 150 million shares of stock.

  BankruptcyOther
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• 2006Dana begins Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization

  Dana filed for bankruptcy protection as part of a financial restructuring following severe pressure on its business and balance sheet.

  Bankruptcy
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1. Dana Incorporated
2. Dana Incorporated official website