Delphi Reaches One Million Unit Milestone for E*STEER in Europe

    FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 5 Following two full years of
production, Delphi Automotive Systems has produced more than one
million E*STEER(TM) units for the Fiat Punto and is now in production for its
second European application, the Volkswagen Lupo.
    
 E*STEER(TM) debuted in 1999 on the Fiat Punto and has brought strong
reviews from the European press.  The system is highly efficient, bringing
fuel economy gains of up to four percent -- rivaling a manual steering system.
E*STEER(TM) has received attention for its performance -- noted by the media
as precise, comfortable, and reliable.
   
 "The reaction from the marketplace on E*STEER(TM)'s performance has been
phenomenal and has fuelled additional interest from several customers world-
wide," stated Paul J. Tosch, president, Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems.
   
 E*STEER(TM) delivers high-performance steering by eliminating the
traditional steering system's pump, hoses, hydraulic fluid, drive belt and
pulleys.  Instead, using electronics, the system's steering effort is
correlated to vehicle speed, steering torque and steering position.  Delphi's
advanced algorithms (mathematical formulas) turn these vehicle inputs into
world-class steering feel.
    
The use of electronics results in an "active" steering system that
continuously adapts to offer optimal steering assist at all speeds and
conditions, giving the driver more steering assistance for easy turning at
lower speeds, especially while parking, and less assist for tight
responsiveness at higher speeds.
    
E*STEER(TM) can also reduce development time because Delphi's proprietary
tuning software helps to automate the entire tuning process.  A laptop
computer can be connected to the system's controller allowing an engineer to
rapidly change the system's tuning values, significantly reducing development
and vehicle tuning costs.  In fact, tuning the vehicle's steering feel, which
typically takes eight to 12 months, can take less than one week with
E*STEER(TM).  The system's modular design offers vehicle manufacturers added
packaging flexibility and ease of assembly on the line.
   
 "Consumers will appreciate the added value, beyond performance, that
E*STEER(TM) brings to their vehicle including added fuel economy, improved
acceleration, and enhanced safety," said Tosch.  "These three benefits are a
function of E*STEER(TM)'s engine-independent design."
    
Functioning independently of the engine allows the system to provide power
steering even with the engine off which could be important during an engine
stall, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.  Using a brushless motor for its
power allows E*STEER(TM) to use approximately four percent less energy than a
hydraulic power steering system, reducing parasitic losses and thereby
improving fuel economy.  Using less energy from the engine also leaves more
energy for other vehicle functions, including acceleration.
    
E*STEER(TM) also has environmental benefits.  Since it is a system without
any fluids there will be no leaks and related warranty concerns can be
significantly reduced.  Additionally, all of the materials needed for the
pump, reservoir, belts, hoses and fluid won't need to be manufactured,
disposed of, or recycled, making E*STEER(TM) more environmentally friendly.