Delphi Innovates a Customized Airbag

PONTIAC, Mich., June 26 -- Delphi Corp.announced today that it has developed an automotive safety airbag technology that enhances protection of occupants of all sizes, in a range of moderate to severe crashes.

"Delphi's STAR airbag is a ground-breaking product because its size, inflation rate and inflation level are adapted to the occupant in the vehicle seat," said James A. Bertrand, vice president of Delphi and president of Delphi Safety & Interior Systems.

At a time when government regulations call for increasingly demanding occupant protection requirements, Delphi helps its vehicle manufacturer customers with a ready solution to help them exceed current and upcoming U.S. FMVSS-208 regulations, which require vehicle manufacturers to provide an advanced airbag system for all vehicle models by model year 2006. The revised regulations call for protection of vehicle occupants, regardless of their size or whether they are wearing a seat belt. Initial implementation requirements start with the 2004 model year vehicles sold in the United States.

Delphi's STAR airbag controls the size of the airbag to match the occupant's size. Also, the rate at which the airbag inflates and its filling capacity correspond to the occupant's needs, taking the following factors into account:

Size of the occupant; Sitting position of the occupant; Whether the occupant is wearing a seat belt; Crash severity; and, Crash direction. Delphi's STAR airbag fits in the instrument panel the same way any other airbag would, without affecting the styling or design.

"Delphi's STAR airbag is an extraordinary solution because it provides enhanced occupant protection to front-seat occupants regardless of their size," Bertrand said.

For more information about Delphi and its operating subsidiaries, visit Delphi's Virtual Press Room at www.delphi.com/media .