TG North America and TRAM Technical Center Adds Capabilities

Advanced Crash Test Technology Provides More Accurate Results

PLYMOUTH, Mich., and TROY, Mich., Oct. 16 -- A hydraulic sled system installed earlier this summer at the new TGR Technical Center is offering a number of enhancements that clients are taking advantage of.

While the hydraulic sled system is the fourth of its kind in North America*, it does stand out in offering clients new levels of excellence, particularly in the area of pulse match testing, a key measure of crash test accuracy. The new facility, based in Plymouth, now provides some of the most accurate pulse match testing found anywhere.

The sled system, which uses a compact velocity generator (allowing for a smaller building footprint), will eventually also include a rear impact (low g) capability in addition to the frontal impact pulse manifold currently installed.

Customers are taking notice of the technical innovations available at the TGR Technical Center, including requests for both in-position sled testing and out of position dummy testing. In position testing is designed to document occupant protection performance; out of position testing documents measures designed to limit inflation induced injury.

The TGR Technical Center is a joint venture of TG North America Corp. (the North American headquarters of Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd.) and TRAM, Inc., (the North American headquarters of Tokai Rika Co. Ltd.). As part of the joint venture, both companies provide full-service, in-house testing for automotive safety systems and components. A number of testing personnel from both companies are now located at the Technical Center.

Toyoda Gosei, with headquarters in Aichi, Japan, and Troy, Mich., is a world-class supplier to the automotive industry. Toyoda Gosei's five product categories include: Body Sealing Systems, Interior / Exterior Systems, Optoelectronics, Fuel System / Functional Parts and Safety Systems. The TG Group employs over 12,000 people in 13 different countries located in 48 manufacturing, technical and sales facilities worldwide.

Tokai Rika, with world headquarters in Aichi, Japan, is a world-class supplier to the automotive industry. Tokai Rika's four product categories include: Human-Machine-Interface Systems & Controls, Security Systems, Safety Systems and Electronic Appliances & Devices. The Tokai Rika Group employs over 12,000 people worldwide. This collaboration increases the number of Tokai Rika's worldwide manufacturing, technical and sales facilities to 42.

* NOTE: The original announcement of the opening of the TGR Technical Center inaccurately characterized the hydraulic sled as the first of its kind in North America. This release is also intended to serve as a correction.