Innovation and Technology
Mobilizing a Better World at the Dana Gravataí Technology Center
Near sunny Porto Alegre in the south of Brazil, lies a 300,000-strong city called Gravataí — a hub of engineering excellence where we collaborate on some of the most efficient and powerful technologies to move vehicles and machines around the world.
The Dana Gravataí Technology Center spans an industrial complex comprising five Dana facilities serving customers across light vehicle, commercial vehicle, off-highway, and power technologies segments.
Here, our dedicated team of engineers and multidisciplinary technicians support product development, manufacturing, and the testing of transmission systems and engines, drive and front axles, driveshafts, engine mounts, and rubber components.
Powered by Collaborative Innovation
The Dana team in Brazil developed and produced what is believed to be the world’s largest constant velocity joint for the Ford F-150 driveshaft — a strong example of collaborative innovation powered by in-house product, tooling, and manufacturing capabilities spearheaded by the Dana Gravataí Technology Center.
“Being able to support both local and global customers is a competitive advantage and a key differentiator. We’ve found that our agility reduces costs and improves our partners´ speed-to-market. It’s a compelling combination when local knowledge and customer proximity is combined with access to Dana’s market and technology insight powered by 38,000 associates across six continents. It makes a real difference,” explains Cezar Montenegro, director of Product Development Engineering and Quality.
This collaborative mindset drives several electrification and legacy programs for customers in Australia, South Africa, and the United States — truck prototypes and local customer support and testing — demonstrating the benefits of strategically integrating product engineering with advanced testing capabilities.
Our network of global technology centers is home to hundreds of the world’s leading engineers, technicians, and scientists and is strategically located across nine countries to ensure proximity to customers. This includes co-innovating with our partners to shape the next generation of mobility technology and anticipating every step of the innovation journey through advanced engineering and product development.