Delphi Technologies Enhance Driving Performance

14 June 2000
Delphi Technologies Enhance Driving Performance

    BRIGHTON, Mich. - Delphi Automotive Systems is making the driving experience 
better for consumers through advanced ride-and-handling technologies.

    The portfolio of electronically-enhanced products -- some of which are
available today, some of which will be available in the near-term -- will help
provide vehicle owners with a smoother ride, improved maneuverability and
increased safety.  Delphi is hosting a group of consumer and automotive
journalists from the United States and Canada at its technical center here
allowing them hands-on experience with these and other advanced technologies.

    Current Technologies

    Highlights of Delphi technologies on the market today that provide
enhanced handling are:

    *  Traxxar(TM), the first North American intelligent chassis control
system that enhances vehicle control and handling.  This innovation can
selectively release or apply braking pressure to assist the driver in a
potential skid situation.  Delphi's Traxxar(TM) improves stability and
directional control on snowy, icy, or rough roads and during turns and
emergency stops.  First brought to market as StabiliTrak on selected 1997
Cadillacs, the technology is now available on several General Motors vehicles
sold in North America.

    *  E-STEER(TM), the market's first full-performance electric power
steering system.  This industry award-winning system increases fuel economy up
to 5 percent, improves acceleration and adds safety with power steering even
during an engine stall.  E-STEER(TM) is powered by electricity from a
brushless motor instead of traditional hydraulics.  There are no pumps, hoses,
hydraulic fluid, drive belts or pulleys, making E-STEER(TM) environmentally
friendly as well.  The system also comes with an optional dashboard switch
that gives the driver the control and convenience to choose two levels of
steering assist -- more assist for city driving, and less assist for highway
driving.  E-STEER(TM) is currently available on the Fiat SpA Punto, sold in
Europe.

    *  Dynamic Body Control Systems, which provide improved steering control
and handling during cornering, high-speed maneuvers and off-road driving.  DBC
systems, targeted for the SUV (sport utility vehicle) market, are a family of
products that act to reduce the roll motion of the vehicle, thus maintaining a
flat, stable platform for the driver.  They also improve ride quality by
reducing "head toss" as well as increase low-speed, off-road traction.  The
technology is currently available on the 2000 model year Land Rover Discovery.

    Future Technologies

    The success of these products with vehicle manufacturers and the
popularity with end-consumers has inspired Delphi engineers to continue to
enhance and improve vehicle dynamic systems for additional performance, safety
and convenience for the driver.

    Delphi is currently developing three additional systems that will further
improve vehicle control and safety.  The products are:

    *  MagneRide(TM) Ride Control System (available in 2002 model year) is a
high-performance, semi-active suspension control system that responds in real
time to road and driving conditions based on input from sensors that monitor
body and wheel motions.  MagneRide(TM) reduces stopping distances; provides
improved vehicle stability during braking; minimizes vehicle motion; and
improves wheel control and road isolation for a flatter, quieter and safer
ride.

    *  QUADRASTEER(TM) Four Wheel Steering (available in 2002 model year) is a
unique, four-wheel steering system designed for full-size vehicles including
long-bed and extended cab pickup trucks, vans and sport-utility vehicles.
QUADRASTEER(TM) gives full-size vehicles the turning radius and
maneuverability of smaller vehicles, dramatically improving stability,
handling and control at higher speeds for a more comfortable and safer driving
experience.  With enhanced stability and maneuverability, towing trailers is
also much simpler at both high and low speeds.

    *  DBC9 Electro-Hydraulic Braking System is a brake-control technology
with advanced software (algorithms) that enables anti-lock braking, traction
control, advanced vehicle stability control, collision avoidance and adaptive
cruise control.  The system provides fast and sensitive driver input
information for higher and quicker levels of braking performance.  DBC9 also
features an ergonomically correct, adjustable brake pedal (especially useful
for shorter drivers) and a smooth, quiet brake apply and release process.

    Multinational Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich.,
USA, Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a world leader in transportation
and mobile electronics components and systems technology.  Delphi's three
business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical
Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communication -- provide comprehensive
product solutions to complex customer needs.  Delphi has approximately 213,000
employees and operates 176 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 41 joint
ventures, 53 customer centers and sales offices and 30 technical centers in 38
countries.  Delphi can be found on the Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com