Electric Parking Brake Forecasted to be on One in Five European Passenger Cars by 2015

LIVONIA, Mich., July 28, 2010: TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , the global leader in active and passive safety, anticipates continued growth in its market leading Electric Parking Brake (EPB) technology. EPB is forecasted to be standard on one in five of all European-built vehicles by 2015(1). Projections also show that approximately half of the mid to larger sized European passenger cars will have EPB in this timeframe, while the technology will continue to penetrate other regions.

The technology, first launched by TRW in 2001, is proving popular with vehicle manufacturers in Europe: many have already fit the system on one or more models, these include: BMW's 5 Series, 6 Series Coupe, X3, and Z4; Ford Galaxy and S-Max, Volvo S60, S80, V60, V70, XC 60, and XC70; Renault Megane and Scenic; and Volkswagen Automotive Group's Audi Q5, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, VW Tiguan, Sharan, Model CC, Passat and Passat Coupe.

Josef Pickenhahn, vice president, braking engineering commented: "At TRW we are committed to making advanced safety technology affordable for everyone - we are constantly evolving our products to make them more efficient and more accessible. The success of our EPB technology within the mass vehicle market segment marks a significant step in the right direction.

"The EPB system, utilizing electrical cables and a control switch, simplifies routing and allows for greater freedom of design for vehicle interiors. Its smaller package becomes even more attractive as vehicle manufacturers continue to requisition vehicle space for new features and options and it can significantly reduce weight when compared to conventional park brake systems."

In addition to providing parking brake functionality, EPB is a fully integral part of the brake system with features such as dynamic actuation and brake pad wear sensing technology. It also offers enhanced quality and reliability when compared with mechanical systems. Moreover, EPB significantly enhances safety in emergency stop situations with full four-wheel anti-lock functionality versus standard park brake emergency braking, which only functions on the rear axle.

The EPB functions as a conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake applications, and as an electric brake for parking and emergency braking.

Pickenhahn concluded: "EPB is part of TRW's ongoing commitment to enhance overall brake system performance and driver convenience as it enhances vehicle safety."

About TRW
With 2009 sales of $11.6 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 26 countries and employs over 60,000 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 www.trw.com.