Chevy Malibu to Debut Delphi's Electric Power Steering in North America

TROY, Mich., Jan. 10, 2003; General Motors' 2004 Chevy Malibu will be the first vehicle in North America to offer Delphi's E*STEER(TM) system. E*STEER is an electric power steering system that provides steering assistance at low speeds and maintains the desired taut, controlled responsiveness at high speeds. E*STEER offers a new power steering alternative that's simpler, cleaner, and more efficient. When compared to traditional power steering systems, E*STEER helps improve fuel economy by up to 4 percent.

Delphi will begin U.S.-based E*STEER(TM) production in June 2003, in a 55,000-square-foot brownfield redevelopment manufacturing location in Buena Vista Township, Michigan.

Traditional hydraulic power steering systems continuously drain energy for the power assist from the engine. A belt and pulley drive a mechanical pump that generates hydraulic pressure and sends the hydraulic fluid to the steering gear valve assembly. The valve then directs available pump pressure to either side of the steering rack piston to provide assist.

"Delphi's E*STEER(TM) offers another step in our steering technology pipeline and brings simplicity, efficiency and environmental consciousness to the steering market," said Robert J. Remenar, president, Delphi Steering Systems. "There is no pump, hoses, hydraulic fluids, or belt and pulley on the engine. In fact, the system is completely independent of the engine, and can even operate with the engine off. After our success with this technology in Europe, we're excited to bring it to the U.S. market. Chevrolet is clearly leading the mid-size segment by bringing this advanced technology to domestic consumers."

E*STEER uses information from the vehicle's electronic speed sensor and other sensors on the steering shaft that measures driver torque and steering wheel position. These and other system inputs are continuously fed into the E*STEER electronic control module.

The control module analyzes the data at a rate of 500 times per second, and using intricate control algorithms, determines the direction and amount of steering assist needed. The controller then sends a command to the variable speed, brushless motor, which drives a gear mechanism to provide the required steering assist.

The result is an "active" system that continuously adapts to offer the optimal steering assist at all speeds and conditions giving the driver more steering assistance for easy turning at slow speeds and parking and less assist for tight responsiveness at higher speeds.

E*STEER provides General Motors with the broadest range of tuning ever available without compromises, and the ability to customize the feel for each vehicle program.

Additional benefits include:

Safety - Even with the engine off, E*STEER's motor runs on battery power. If the system loses power, E*STEER automatically returns to manual steering. Assisted return-to-center - In a traditional steering system, when the steering wheel is turned and then released, the driver typically must help it back to center. E*STEER uses a patented motorized assistance to automatically bring the steering wheel back to center. This feature helps give the driver greater vehicle control. Active Damping - E*STEER uses control algorithms (mathematical formulas) to eliminate possible overshoot, going beyond center, when the steering wheel returns to center. Active damping helps give the driver greater vehicle control by returning to center more quickly and dependably. "E*STEER provides significant value to the end consumer including helping provide improved fuel economy, enhanced acceleration, added safety, and environmental compatibility," said Remenar. "In addition, E*STEER offers high performance with variable-effort steering, assisted return-to-center and active damping."

Delphi's E*STEER Electric Power Steering technology won a 1999 Automotive News/Ernst & Young PACE Award. Delphi has produced more than 2 million units.

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