Corporate brand
UnclaimedA global automotive supplier specializing in drivetrain, electrification, sealing, and thermal-management systems.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
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.
History
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.
- 2021
Pi Innovo is acquired
[1]Dana acquires Pi Innovo to strengthen its embedded controls and vehicle-software capabilities.
- 2020
Additive manufacturing supports face-shield production
[1]Dana's Maumee advanced manufacturing facility uses 3D printing to produce face-shield components during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2019
Dana completes a series of technology acquisitions
[1]Dana acquires SME Group, Oerlikon's Drive Systems segment, and Nordresa Motors, expanding its transmission, controls, electric-powertrain, and vehicle-integration capabilities.
- 2018
Dana announces majority investment in TM4
[1]The company announces a C$165 million agreement to acquire a majority interest in electric-powertrain specialist TM4.
- 2007
Post-bankruptcy share cancellation
[1]Dana cancels 150 million shares during its restructuring.
- 2006
Dana files for bankruptcy protection
[1]The company enters Chapter 11 as part of a major financial restructuring.
- 1972
Dana invests in Turner Manufacturing
[1]Dana buys a 35 percent stake in the British engineering company Turner Manufacturing and later acquires the remaining shares.
- 1963
Perfect Circle is acquired
[1]Dana acquires Perfect Circle, broadening its component and sealing-related activities.
- 1946
The company becomes Dana Corporation
[1]Charles Dana becomes president and treasurer, and the corporate name changes to Dana Corporation.
- 1925
International expansion through Hardy Spicer
[1]Spicer takes a holding in an English licensee that becomes Hardy Spicer.
Products and positioning
An engineering-led global automotive supplier positioned around durable drivetrain systems and the transition from conventional propulsion to hybrid and battery-electric mobility.
Drivetrain
Spicer axles
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.
Drivetrain · 1904
Driveshafts and universal joints
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.
Electrification
Dana eS-series electric axles
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.
Electrification · 2018
Dana TM4 electric powertrains
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.
Sealing
Victor Reinz sealing systems
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
Thermal-management systems
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.
Drivetrain
Transfer cases
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.
Marketing campaigns
- 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.
Brand decisions
2021
Acquisition of Pi InnovoM&ABackground
Vehicle electrification and integrated mechatronic systems increased the importance of embedded software and electronic controls.
Action taken
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.
2019
Acquisition of Oerlikon's Drive Systems segmentM&ABackground
Dana pursued additional transmission, driveline, and electronic-control capabilities for conventional and electrified vehicle platforms.
Action taken
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.
2018
Majority investment in TM4M&ABackground
Dana sought to strengthen its position in electric propulsion as vehicle manufacturers increased development of hybrid and battery-electric platforms.
Action taken
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)
Recent events
Reported
Dana launches Brevini S-Series gearboxes for biogas and wastewater applications[3]
Dana announced the launch of Brevini S-Series industrial planetary gearboxes customized for biogas production and wastewater treatment facilities; the gearboxes were available immediately.
Reported
Dana announces Brevini gearbox upgrades[4]
Dana announced upgrades to its Brevini helical and bevel helical gearbox line, including three new monoblock models and design enhancements. The upgraded gearboxes are planned to become available starting in early 2022.
Reported
Dana announces planned eS9000r e-Axle production[5]
Dana announced that it will begin production of its eS9000r e-Axle to support the market launch of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation's all-electric MT50e delivery vehicle.
Reported
Dana funds Glass City park and riverwalk projects[6]
Dana announced a $1 million donation to help Metroparks Toledo develop its Glass City Riverwalk and Glass City Metropark. The donation also supports a sustainability-focused lecture series and a Maumee River cleanup program.
Reported
Dana launches Spicer HVT1 transmission[7]
Dana announced the launch of the Spicer HVT1, a powersplit transmission engineered for agriculture telehandlers.
Reported
Dana raises full-year financial guidance[8]
Dana raised its full-year financial guidance after reporting strong first-quarter results, increasing its sales estimate to $8.50 billion to $9 billion, $500 million above its earlier estimate.
Reported
Dana acquires Pi Innovo[9]
Dana announced that it had acquired Pi Innovo, a provider of embedded software solutions and electronic control units. Dana said the acquisition adds software, vehicle-level controllers and auxiliary controllers to its capabilities and product portfolio.
Reported
Dana unveils expanded TM4 SUMO HP motor and inverter series[10]
Dana unveiled an expanded family of TM4 SUMO HP electric motors and inverters, including the HV1000 and HV2500. The technologies were available to OEMs for testing and were scheduled for production in the first half of 2021.
Reported
Modine announces sale of liquid-cooled automotive business to Dana[11]
Modine announced that it had signed a definitive agreement with Dana to sell the liquid-cooled portion of its automotive business, representing approximately 70% of Automotive business revenue. The transaction was expected to close in the first half of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Reported
Kenworth and Dana announce electric powertrain collaboration[12]
Kenworth and Dana announced a collaboration to develop electric powertrains for medium-duty Kenworth battery-electric vehicles. The Kenworth K270E on display at CES was described as the collaboration’s initial result.
Sources16 sources
- 1Dana Incorporateden.wikipedia.org
- 2Dana Incorporated official websitedana.com
- 3Dana推出适用于沼气和污水处理的Brevini S系列齿轮箱prnewswire.com
- 4Dana宣布升级Brevini齿轮箱prnewswire.com
- 5Dana宣布计划生产eS9000r电驱桥prnewswire.com
- 6Dana资助Glass City公园及河滨步道项目yahoo.com
- 7Dana 推出 Spicer HVT1 变速箱prnewswire.com
- 8Dana上调全年财务指引freightwaves.com
- 9Dana 收购 Pi Innovoprnewswire.com
- 10Dana发布扩展版TM4 SUMO HP电机和逆变器系列prnewswire.com
- 11Modine宣布将液冷汽车业务出售给Danaprnewswire.com
- 12Kenworth与Dana宣布电动动力系统合作prnewswire.com
- 13Dana 与 Fendt 扩大新款 900 Vario 拖拉机工程合作prnewswire.com
- 14Dana宣布发行3亿美元优先票据prnewswire.com
- 15Dana Launches $100 Million Tack-On Senior Notes Offeringprnewswire.com
- 16Dana Launches $400 Million Senior Notes Offeringprnewswire.com
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