MAUMEE, Ohio and LOHR, Germany — Dana Holding Corp. and Bosch Rexroth AG have signed a memorandum of understanding to form a 50-50 joint venture to co-develop and manufacture advanced drive transmissions for the off-highway market.
The planned joint-venture company, which is expected to operate in Arco, Italy, will engineer, manufacture and market hydro-mechanical variable powersplit transmission systems (HVT) for the global off-highway markets. The advanced transmission systems will be focused on meeting customer needs for improved fuel economy, productivity, emissions and maneuverability.
Dana and Bosch Rexroth will contribute staff, intellectual property and capital to the new joint-venture company.
"We are excited about the opportunities that this combination of two respected global off-highway transmission manufacturers presents," said Dana Chief Technical Officer George Constand. "Together, Dana and Bosch Rexroth offer a broad range of complementary skill sets, which will enable the joint venture to deliver a unique array of advanced transmission solutions to the off-highway marketplace."
The planned joint venture will benefit from Dana’s expertise in off-highway transmission engineering and manufacturing, and Bosch Rexroth’s deep experience in hydraulics and systems, according to the two companies.
"The smart interaction of hydraulics and mechanics will be the driving factor for future innovation in drive transmissions," said Bosch Rexroth Executive Vice President of Engineering and Manufacturing Reiner Leipold-Buettner. "Only those with the best know-how in both fields will master the growing market demands. Dana and Bosch Rexroth ideally combine both fields."
Dana and Bosch Rexroth also are currently engaged in a joint project to develop power split transmissions for construction machines.