Allison Transmission Holdings has significantly expanded its drivetrain and propulsion systems business through acquiring the Off-Highway Drive & Motion Systems business of Dana. The $2.7 billion deal, finalized in January, creates a new global giant overseeing aggressive development of hybrid and electric propulsion systems for mobile industrial equipment worldwide. Many of the vehicle platforms from both companies increasingly incorporate magnetic e-power systems rather than traditional engine and hydraulic technology, along with versatile fuel systems including hydrogen power and battery power.
“We are excited to welcome our new colleagues from Dana Incorporated’s Off-Highway Drive & Motion Systems business to Allison,” said David Graziosi, Allison Chair, President and CEO. “Together, we have an expanded market reach and broader portfolio of high-quality and reliable products, creating a global platform that will continue to deliver strong financial performance from both organic and inorganic growth.”
With $5.5 billion revenue, the combined company will be headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, and led by David Graziosi, Allison Chair, President and CEO. The company will operate under the Allison name and be comprised of two business units. Allison Transmission will be led by Fred Bohley, President & Business Unit Leader, and Allison Off-Highway Drive & Motion Systems will be led by Craig Price, President & Business Unit Leader. He was previously head of the off-highway business unit at Dana. They lead a global enterprise with operations spanning 29 countries that provide advanced high-performance mobility and work solutions across infrastructure, energy, agriculture, construction and national security.
Dana plans to retain its TM4 electrification unit and focus on light vehicle and commercial vehicle platforms. “Closing this transaction marks an important step in Dana’s evolution,” said R. Bruce McDonald, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dana. “We are now a more focused company, dedicated to serving light- and commercial-vehicle customers with both traditional and electrified systems.”
Permanent-magnet and electrified propulsion technologies are important aspects of many of the products of both companies. Query in Magnetics Magazine for both Dana and Allison to see details. Additionally, Allison is a venture investor in Niron Magnetics, the Minnesota-based developer of rare earth-free permanent magnets, as reported previously in Magnetics Magazine.
Electric Hybrid System Built for Defense
At Allison, for example, one of its recent focuses has been on continued development and expansion of its eGen Force electric hybrid propulsion system, now with ratings capability of up to 1,600 hp (1,193 kW) and GVW of 75 tons. Allison combined its decades of experience in both combat vehicles and commercial electric hybrid propulsion to introduce the system designed for 50 to 75-ton tracked vehicles.
Prior to initiating the design, Allison conducted a comprehensive trade study based on more than 70 years of cross-drive development to select the optimal architecture for an electric hybrid combat vehicle. The power distribution system features an electric motor and inverter for on-board vehicle power and parallel hybrid operation, enabling engine-off mobility to reduce enemy detection – both acoustic and thermal. The system is scalable to 75-ton tracked vehicles, making it capable of meeting future main battle tank requirements.
For more info, see www.allisontransmission.com, www.dana.com.
