Dana technology featured on 2022 North American truck, SUV of the year

Feb. 23, 2022

Maumee, Ohio-based company’s axles come as standard equipment on Ford’s Maverick pickup and Bronco SUV.

Dana Inc.’s technologies are featured on the 2022 Ford Maverick and Ford Bronco, the North American Truck and SUV of the year, according to a Dana release.

The Ford Maverick pickup features Dana's Spicer AdvanTEK Ultra axle with Spicer SmartConnect disconnecting all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology. As a leader in light-vehicle driveline technologies, Dana’s Spicer AdvanTEK Ultra axle changed the axle design process to lead with the selection of an ultra-low-viscosity lubricant to reduce energy losses due to oil churning, according to Dana.

In addition, Dana’s Spicer SmartConnect configures the drivetrain to work in front-wheel-drive mode for most driving conditions but engages the AWD when needed. The disconnecting AWD system engages automatically when the system detects slipping at the wheels, such as during rapid acceleration or on split-coefficient surfaces and other low-traction conditions, Dana said in its release.

The Ford Bronco SUV features off-road capable Dana 35 AdvanTEK and Dana 44 AdvanTEK axles. The Dana 35 AdvanTEK independent front differential unit with front axle disconnect disengages the front axle to reduce drag, while the Dana 44 AdvanTEK front independent axle is designed for increased off-road capability. The optional front Spicer PerformaTraK electronic locking differential can transfer full driveline torque to one wheel, giving drivers confidence and control through improved traction when traversing challenging terrain, according to the Maumee, Ohio-based company.

In the rear, the vehicle includes a Dana 44 AdvanTEK solid rear axle with available Spicer PerformaTraK electronic locking differential, which allows the Bronco SUV to handle off-road traction conditions to help enhance maneuverability as well as overall driver control.

“Dana has been working with Ford since it provided driveline technologies for the revolutionary Model T, and we are proud to continue collaborating with them in bringing innovative solutions to some of the world's most iconic vehicles,” said Byron Foster, president of light vehicle drive systems for Dana. “Our driveline solutions have a reputation for being robustly capable of handling some of the world's most challenging on- and off-road terrains and the Ford Maverick pickup and Ford Bronco SUV are uniquely equipped to give exceptional driving experiences.”

Dana's axle technologies were first featured on the Ford Bronco in 1966.

Dana reported sales of $7.1 billion in 2020 with 38,000 associates in 33 countries across six continents.