Dana Takes Focus on Last-Mile Delivery Market

The trend in last mile delivery is driving an increase in light and medium-duty van platforms. As these delivery vehicles travel local and regional delivery routes, extended idling periods and stop-and-go driving styles place a strain on engine and driveline components. These stresses will ultimately increase service frequency, putting you in a position to grow your business – especially if you select the right parts for the job.

Last-mile delivery is driving significant growth in light and medium-duty vehicle platforms like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit and Nissan NV. The light/medium-duty classification of last-mile delivery vehicles opens the door for owner operators and non-CDL drivers to get into localized package delivery. This, in turn, creates a new opportunity for shop owners to build their businesses, as service patterns shift away from large fleet repair contracts.

Downtime is almost inevitable for these hard-working vehicles, due to the increased stress placed on all van systems by the stop-and-go driving and extended idling periods of in-town delivery. Yet downtime costs owners beyond the price of the repair, so getting these vehicles back on the road quickly, with quality parts, is essential. And that’s exactly where Dana Aftermarket has you covered.

Dana understands that demanding logistical patterns can take a toll on a delivery van’s factory driveshaft. Given the popularity of Dodge/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans among shippers aiming to deliver smaller loads quickly, Dana commercialized a drop in driveshaft replacement for 2002-2009 Sprinter vans in 2019. These aftermarket driveshafts from Dana provide the performance, reliability, and durability of original equipment (OE) products – because Dana is an OE manufacturer.

This 3-piece Spicer driveshaft is designed, engineered and manufactured to serve as a virtually maintenance-free one for one replacement. Since the driveshafts are pre-balanced, they offer a direct product swap without the need for a balancing machine. Spicer driveshafts for Sprinter vans eliminate assembly time and meet global aftermarket driveshaft requirements. They are an ideal aftermarket solution, particularly for service shops with immediate uptime service programs.

Dana also supplies Victor Reinz engine gasket replacements for the Sprinter. Offerings include conversion gasket sets, cylinder head gasket sets, and turbocharger mounting kits. Yet that’s just a small sampling of the comprehensive line of Victor Reinz gaskets and sealing solutions. Victor Reinz is the brand that engine and vehicles manufacturers rely on – and the brand that repair shop and fleet owners can trust when delivery vehicles needs repairs.

Fleet and service shop owners will appreciate the completeness of the gasket sets offered by Victor Reinz, and the coverage available for a range of Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 vehicles. Head gasket applications include popular delivery vehicle engines such as Cummins, Powerstroke and Duramax with patented Wave-Stopper technology. As the last-mile delivery market grows, Victor Reinz is committed to providing coverage and continuing to respond to market demands.

For more information: SpicerParts.com and VictorReinz.us.