CTS Corporation Awarded Belt Tension Sensor Program for Advanced Occupant Restraint Systems

    ELKHART, Ind.--Jan. 23, 2002--CTS Corporation , a world leader in automotive sensor and thick film technology, today announced that a major international vehicle manufacturer has selected CTS Automotive Products to supply seat belt tension sensors (BTS) for use in passenger vehicles sold globally. The initial award is for production-intent prototypes that will be delivered in the first quarter 2002. Volume production of this new product is expected to start in early 2003, and will continue for several years with a total program value in excess of $100 million.
    Federal regulation FMVSS208 has mandated increased control over front air bag deployment to improve passenger safety. Phase-in of the new advanced occupant restraint systems begins with 35% compliance by model year 2004, growing to 100% coverage of passenger car and light truck vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2006. The new regulation requires the occupant classification system to identify the use or "status" of the passenger seat (empty, child seat, small person, large person) and control the deployment of the passenger-side front air bag accordingly (no deployment, reduced-force deployment, full-force deployment). The belt tension sensor is a key component of this new system and is used to help classify the status of the passenger seat.
    CTS' patent-pending BTS design was selected based on the small package size, sensor performance, CTS' extensive thick film experience and competitive price. This award positions CTS Automotive Products as a global supplier of belt tension sensors and provides CTS the opportunity to capture a significant share of this growing market.
    For additional information on CTS' new belt tension sensors and related safety, performance and convenience products, please contact Jim White, director, advanced sales and marketing, at (574) 295-3575, Ext. 315, or E-mail: jim.white@ae.ctscorp.com.
    CTS Corporation is a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic components and assemblies for the communications, computer and automotive markets. The Company manufactures products in North America, Europe and Asia. The Company's stock is traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "CTS." To find out more, visit the Company's website at www.ctscorp.com.