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TRW Delivers Integrated Safety to Lancia Delta Including Video Based Lane Guide System


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PARIS, June 5 -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. today unveiled a range of intelligent safety systems supplied to Lancia's new Delta. TRW supplies Lancia with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), video based lane departure warning and Electrically Powered Steering (EPS) systems with steering torque control functionality -- the integration of ESC and EPS.

"Such new vehicles are a landmark in safety integration -- that we call Cognitive Safety," said John C. Plant, president and chief executive officer, TRW Automotive. "The combination of active braking, steering, suspension and driver assist systems helps to open a world of possibilities for vehicle safety that is fast becoming a reality in today's vehicle market."

"In the Lancia Delta, TRW's sensors, algorithms and electronics provide information that enables the actuation of the most appropriate systems to help deliver enhanced driving comfort and safety."

The Delta marks the launch of TRW's video camera technology integrated with Electric Power Steering to enable haptic lane feedback. In this system the video camera detects when the vehicle is drifting toward the lane markings and the electric steering provides the driver with gentle guidance/haptic feedback through the steering wheel to stay in lane.

"This model introduces the latest driver assist functions into this brand for the first time," said Alois Seewald, engineering director for TRW's integrated systems portfolio. "The combination of electronically controlled braking and steering with environmental sensors helps give a clear picture of the driving environment and road conditions as well as the driver's intended path."

With this information the system functions can work together to support the driver through warnings if a potentially dangerous situation is sensed, guide the driver to steer in the proper direction, or brake wheels individually and cut engine torque if necessary. The systems will also enable park assist for automated parallel parking.

About TRW

With 2007 sales of $14.7 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 27 countries and employs more than 66,000 people worldwide. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services. All references to "TRW Automotive", "TRW" or the "Company" in this press release refer to TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. TRW Automotive news is available on the internet at http://www.trw.com/ .