Dana propels NEVs into a more sustainable future

DANA is a supplier in engineered solutions that improve the efficiency, performance, and sustainability of powered vehicles and machinery.

Dana’s presence in China dates back to 1991 and includes manufacture of axles and propeller shafts for the automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway vehicle markets. In addition, Dana produces planetary drives, fluid power components, gearboxes, thermal-management, and sealing products in China.

Mr James K. Kamsickas is the president and CEO of Dana Incorporated. Under his leadership, Dana sales have grown by nearly 20 percent, while profits have increased by 45 percent.

In this interview, Mr Kamsickas shared with Shanghai Daily his view on the ongoing China International Import Expo and insights of the Chinese market.

Q: What are the highlights of Dana’s presentation at the first China International Import Expo? How do you perceive the value of this event? In your opinion, what’s the biggest difference between this event and other exhibitions?

A: Dana has been in China for more than 27 years, and we have seen great value in showcasing our products to the market at many of China’s premier tradeshows. The CIIE’s strong emphasis on multinational companies presents a great opportunity to connect and communicate with leading Chinese companies. Dana is proud to be one of the automotive suppliers to be featured at the 40 Years of Multinational Companies in Shanghai as a part of the China International Import Expo.

Q: Dana’s sales and profits have managed to grow significantly under your leadership while the whole automobile industry seems to be a bit stagnant. What’s the secret behind your successful management?

A: The secret to Dana’s success has been driven by our team’s commitment to our enterprise strategy, “Shifting into Overdrive,” which has guided actions for organically and inorganically growing our businesses while delivering strong value for our investors. The five core areas we have focused our attention are:

Leveraging our core expertise across the light vehicle, commercial vehicle and off-highway segments;

Strengthening our focus on customer centricity;

Expanding our reach in global markets, including China;

Commercializing new technologies; and

Accelerating hybridization and electrification.

Q: Some key acquisitions have been completed since you joined Dana. What’s your strategy for the company after these acquisitions? Will Dana continue to globalize itself with further expansion?

A: Each of Dana’s acquisitions has expanded our ability to deliver important innovations to customers. Whether that is increasing our addressable market and core technology offerings with the addition of Brevini, or positioning ourselves as the only supplier with complete e-Propulsion system capabilities for hybrid and electric vehicles with the acquisition of TM4, having the right technology and global presence has been a critical success factor for our growth.

Q: What’s the position of the Chinese market to Dana? What’s your expectation for the Chinese market? Any new investment plans in the country?

A: Dana opened its first office in China in 1991. Today, we have approximately 6,750 employees in China through both wholly owned and joint-venture operations. Dana has 16 facilities in China including a new facility in Yancheng, which was inaugurated earlier this year to manufacture thermal-management products for conventional and new-energy vehicles. We also are constructing a new facility in Chongqing, which will produce advanced driveline products, including our Spicer SmartConnect technology, which helps to provide fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive capabilities.

We expect the market to continue to grow, and for there to be significant opportunity for Dana as we continue to work with customers on hybrid and electric vehicles across the mobility segments.

Q: This year marks the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up. Do you have any suggestions to further improve the business environment or services for foreign investors?

A: Since our start in China, we have seen the Chinese government announce a series of policies that encourages foreign investment. The focus on hybrid and electric vehicles continues to be an important initiative and the government has also given strong support to further enhance growth in the automotive market in terms of tax, subsidy, and other items.

Q: What’s your opinion over outlook of the automotive industry and your industry? What kind of impact will the current complicated trade conditions exert over the industries?

A: Dana is uniquely positioned to support not only the automotive industry, but also the commercial vehicle and off-highway markets. We remain very positive about the opportunities in each of the end markets, especially with our strategic position in the growing hybrid and electric vehicles space.

We keep a close watch on the global market conditions and are hopeful for long-term agreements.