CTS Awarded Electronic Throttle Control Pedal Assembly Programs

    ELKHART, Ind.--Aug. 13, 2001--CTS Corporation , a global leader in resistive and non-contacting based automotive position sensor technology, today announced that two major global vehicle manufacturers have selected CTS Automotive Products to supply Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Pedal Assemblies for use in passenger vehicles in Japan, Europe and South America. Production intent prototypes have been delivered. Initial volume production is scheduled to begin in early 2002. Both programs are expected to extend over several years and will result in a total of over $65 million in new business for CTS. Due to confidentiality agreements, further details of the programs are not available.
    ETC Pedal Assemblies are mounted in place of the existing accelerator pedal, and convert mechanical pedal movement into an electronic signal for use by the ETC System. Advantages of the ETC Pedal Assembly include increased engine control efficiency and reduced system costs. The ETC Pedal Assembly meets all typical passenger compartment automotive specifications, operates with both gasoline and diesel applications and is compatible with engine control units of various manufacturers.
    ETC Systems, which provide closed-loop control of the air intake, are replacing older, conventional mechanical throttle control designs. The new ETC Systems result in improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and additionally enable the use of other innovative technologies such as adaptive cruise control and traction control systems.
    CTS was selected "supplier of choice," due to the Company's ability to offer a custom but flexible design, its extensive pedal sensor knowledge, and its competitive pricing. Another key selection factor was the ability of CTS to work with the global customers, at customers' facilities in Japan, Europe and North America.
    These programs establish CTS as a major global ETC Pedal Assembly supplier and strategically position CTS Automotive Products to compete for a greater share of the growing ETC Pedal Assembly market now estimated at $140 million worldwide by the year 2004.