Delphi Active Front Steering System Delivers Leading Edge Vehicle Stability And Variable Ratio Control

New Electronic and Hydraulic Steering System Improves Handling and Dramatically Enhances Steering at All Speeds

FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 10 -- Delphi Corp. will help further improve occupant protection in 2005, when its active energy- absorbing steering column technology debuts in the U.S. market. The company's newest steering column safety technology acts as part of an integrated system to help Delphi customers improve their vehicle crashworthiness to help better protect the driver during a collision.

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The new column helps to improve crashworthiness by adjusting its energy absorption level based on a variety of factors, depending on the requirements of the vehicle manufacturer. Delphi's introductory active energy absorbing mechanism utilizes a pyrotechnic actuator to optimize the energy absorbed at the time of a collision, based on a number of vehicle inputs, such as occupant mass, seat belt usage, speed and crash severity. For example, a high level setting would be used for a large, unbelted driver in a severe collision to help absorb the heavier force, and a low level setting would be used for a small, belted driver in a light collision.

"We were the first to introduce energy absorbing steering columns into the market in 1967 and we continue to lead the industry today," said Robert J. Remenar, president of Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems. "Our expertise in steering column technology gives us the ability to tailor our column design to meet specific customer needs."

This new technology can accommodate the 95th percentile large male driver through the 5th percentile small female, helping vehicle manufacturers meet the new U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208 regulations, which are currently under discussion. In addition, this technology can help improve the NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) rating for a vehicle manufacturer, as well as complement a dual stage airbag system for enhanced occupant safety.

"Steering columns are the primary driver-to-vehicle interface during a collision and are critical to occupant safety," said Dan Crishon, Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems director for columns.

"Our active energy absorbing column is designed to help minimize injury by ensuring the column absorption load is well-matched to the driver and crash severity, instead of a 'one size fits all' approach."

Producing more than 50,000 columns daily in ten worldwide manufacturing facilities, Delphi is the global leader in volume and market share. Delphi offers a complete line of columns and engineering solutions to meet any customers' needs.

In addition to active energy absorbing devices, Delphi designs many other types of energy absorbing devices including ball and sleeve, deformable bending brackets and tuned metal straps.

For more information about Delphi and its operating subsidiaries, visit Delphi's Virtual Press Room at www.delphi.com/media/ .

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