Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) announced today it has earned first place in the CLEPA Innovation Award’s Cooperation category, for its work with Audi AG in developing a multi-layer-steel transmission valve body separator plates. CLEPA is the European Association of Automotive Suppliers. The award was presented to Dana representatives on March 17 during a ceremony in Brussels. The CLEPA Innovation Award recognizes the innovation capabilities of automotive suppliers with a presence in Europe. Receiving this accolade is a reflection on Dana’s ability to effectively work with original-equipment manufacturers to develop game-changing technologies. Specific to this technology, Dana proactively developed the solution to an industry-wide need – to meet higher sealing requirements in advanced transmissions – and approached Audi with its transmission plates concept. Audi then became integral in working with Dana to develop the MLS innovation through a high level of collaboration, open discussion, and teamwork across various positions. The plates were introduced on Audi’s new S tronic dual-clutch transmission for the Audi A4 through A7, as well as the Q5. “We are honored to have received this top recognition from such a prestigious association of automotive suppliers for our cooperation with Audi,” said Dwayne Matthews, president, Dana Power Technologies Group. “We pride ourselves on our ability to work closely with valued customers such as Audi to design and manufacture technologies that meet their unique needs and provide exceptional performance in customer-specific applications.” Dana’s Victor Reinz® transmission separator plates enhance the sealing capabilities of transmissions by providing up to three times the sealing pressure for multi-speed, continuously variable, and dual-clutch transmissions. By finding a solution that replaces the traditional single-layer valve body plates with bonded gaskets, Dana is able to not only enhance the sealing, but also provide increased performance and durability. Additionally, by allowing for optimized channel paths and smaller valve bodies through the reduction of fasteners that can interfere with desired flow paths, Dana achieves zero seal erosion, resulting in improved cleanliness and efficiency. The MLS transmission separator plates were developed at Dana’s technical center in Neu-Ulm, Germany, and are produced at its facilities in China, Europe, and the United States. Dana also was awarded a 2015 Automotive News PACE Innovation Partnership Award for its collaboration with Audi in launching the MLS separator plates.