TRW Demonstrates Semi-Automated Driving Features At North America Ride and Drive Event

LOCKE TOWNSHIP, MI -- Sept. 16, 2014: TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , is demonstrating its semi-automated driving capabilities for customers and the media at the Company's vehicle test track event in Locke Township, Michigan, yesterday. Drivers will be able to experience a 'Highway Driving Assist' feature which can enable automatic steering, braking and acceleration for highway speeds above 25 mph.

Peter Lake, executive vice president, Sales and Business Development at TRW commented: "Progress towards semi-automated and automated driving has gained huge momentum over the last 12 to 18 months as the industry is recognizing the vast benefits it could deliver. For example, with distracted driving becoming a major concern and the majority of accidents being caused by human error, semi-automated systems could help to reduce fatalities and enhance the safety of passengers and other road users.1

"The first steps have already been taken to introduce semi-automated features such as traffic jam assist on production vehicles but we believe it will be some time before fully autonomous cars become commonplace. There is still a lot of work to be done, including determining legislative frameworks. At TRW, we're following a building block approach showcasing what is achievable today using proven technology.

The demonstration vehicle integrates TRW's AC1000 radar and next generation camera prototype together with its Electrically Powered Steering Belt Drive (EPS BD) and Electronic Stability Control EBC 460 – the combination of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Centering Assist (LCA) functionalities. The ACC keeps the vehicle at a set speed until a slower vehicle appears in front or if another car cuts across the lane. It then automatically accelerates and/or brakes the vehicle to keep a driver-selected gap (constant time interval) behind the slower vehicle. At the same time, the forward looking camera keeps the car in the center of the lane. The driver can easily override the system at any time.

Lake continued: "The TRW prototype vehicle represents a milestone in systems integration – one of TRW's core capabilities as the only complete safety systems supplier worldwide. The beauty of these technologies is their flexible, or scalable nature – the same sensing hardware can be used for different functions to suit vehicle manufacturer requirements. For example, the driver assist hardware on the vehicle could also enable Emergency Steering Assist functionality.

"At a later stage, we'll be showcasing a 360 degree sensor system which will also enable vehicles to automatically overtake (lane change control). The next decade represents a huge opportunity to improve not only the driving experience, but fundamentally road safety."