Chrysler Group Chooses Delphi's Dynamic Body Control Technology

TROY, Mich., Oct. 21, 2002 -- Delphi Corporation has secured Dynamic Body Control (DBC) business with DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group for a future application. Delphi's DBC family of products includes semi-active or active systems that help improve vehicle stability by controlling a vehicle's roll response when the vehicle is in a cornering maneuver. Both systems respond in real-time to actual or anticipated driving conditions. The Chrysler Group will utilize an active system, providing Delphi with its first North American application for Dynamic Body Control.

"Delphi is very excited to work with the Chrysler Group to utilize our knowledge of vehicle dynamics and provide enhanced safety and comfort features to consumers," said Guy C. Hachey, president, Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems. "The ability to provide these features and maintain the brand characteristics of a given vehicle add to the appeal of this technology."

The active system configuration may consist of one or two hydraulic actuator cylinders that interact with the vehicle's anti-roll bars, a power source, a control manifold with integral valves and a pressure sensor, a controller and on-board vehicle sensors which monitor steering angle, lateral acceleration and vehicle speed.

The semi active system configuration may consist of one or two anti-roll bar latch/unlatch devices, a controller and appropriate vehicle sensors.

"Delphi's DBC technology provides enhanced vehicle safety and stability during severe handling maneuvers without the usual tradeoffs often needed to provide a more comfortable ride during normal driving conditions," said R. Scott Bailey, director of engineering, Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems. "DBC also provides enhanced off-road traction and driver comfort, including reducing head toss, due to its ability to uncouple the wheels on a given axle. DBC provides these performance advantages through its ability to reduce roll bar forces under normal driving conditions, while applying the required forces to maintain up to zero body roll angle during cornering maneuvers."

DBC is one of several technology applications used in Delphi's Unified Chassis Control system, designed to increase vehicle safety, improve ride & comfort. DBC currently is utilized in Europe on a Land Rover application.

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