To support new business growth, Dana Inc (www.dana.com) has announced that it will build a new 7,500m² manufacturing facility in Chongqing, China.

Scheduled to open in late 2018, the plant will produce drive units with integrated Spicer SmartConnect disconnecting all-wheel-drive technology as part of a global programme; this technology improves the fuel efficiency of SUVs, crossovers and passenger vehicles.

Dana will spend some $13 million building out the new operation, which will employ about 130 people when full production is reached in 2020. While this will be Dana’s 15th facility in China, it will be the company’s first in Chongqing (the plant will be located in the Yufu Industrial Development Zone).

Bob Pyle, president of Dana light-vehicle driveline technologies, said: “We at Dana are excited to bring our latest disconnecting all-wheel-drive technology to the world’s largest automotive market.

“The system configures the drivetrain to work in fuel-efficient front-wheel-drive mode, then automatically and seamlessly converts to all-wheel drive when it detects slipping at the wheel.

“Dana has served the rapidly growing Chinese automobile market for more than 25 years, and our expansion into Chongqing highlights our continued commitment to supporting vehicle manufacturers with technologies that deliver superior performance and fuel savings.”

Dana currently has about 7,000 employees in China, including those working for operations in which Dana holds a half
interest.