EnTire Solutions, LLC, Joint Venture of Michelin and TRW Automotive, Announces Honda and Fiat Contracts for its Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
DETROIT, Jan. 5, 2004 -- EnTire Solutions, LLC, the 50/50 joint venture of Michelin and TRW Automotive, today announced contracts with Honda and Fiat for its direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).
Launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, EnTire Solutions, LLC is now supplying tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) for the 2004 Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle, and has also been selected by Fiat to provide advanced TPMS for a range of its upcoming European models.
Chief Executive Officer of EnTire Solutions, LLC, Rich Wolfe, said, "It's a boost for us to be announcing these contract wins so close to the launch of EnTire Solutions, LLC, and it reflects the extremely positive response we've had so far. With Michelin's expertise in tire systems and TRW's electronics and integration capabilities, EnTire Solutions is built on a solid technical and operating base.
"We expect fitments to new vehicles to continue to grow. This growth should be accelerated by the availability of new technology that will increase TPM capability while maintaining or reducing costs. TRW and Michelin have launched EnTire Solutions, LLC in recognition of the needs of this developing market."
Other customers for tire pressure monitoring products from EnTire Solutions, LLC include several Hyundai and Kia platforms and sensors for a range of General Motors trucks and sport utility vehicles.
EnTire Solutions(TM) is a direct tire pressure monitoring system. The system employs a battery-powered pressure sensor mounted on the valve stem inside the wheel. The sensor communicates tire pressure and temperature information to a vehicle-mounted receiver via a radio signal. Additionally, when fully implemented, EnTire Solutions almost totally eliminates false alarms which are a significant source of consumer dissatisfaction and OEM cost. Vehicle manufacturers can select either of the following versions of the product:
* An advanced system: in addition to the minimum required by regulations, when a slow leak occurs, this system gives early information to the driver before the tire gets significantly under inflated, allowing him/her to correct the situation with full peace of mind.
* A simpler system: complies with applicable regulations. It signals the driver when a tire is significantly under inflated and invites him/her to react as soon as possible.
About EnTire Solutions
EnTire Solutions, LLC is a 50/50 joint venture of Michelin and TRW Automotive, launched in October 2003 and dedicated to the development, promotion, sales and service of TPM systems. The EnTire Solutions(TM) product portfolio includes tools, parts and services to meet and exceed the expectations of original equipment manufacturers worldwide.
About Michelin
Michelin produces and sells tires for all kind of vehicles, including passenger car, light and heavy trucks, motorcycles, aircraft, agricultural, earthmover vehicles, space shuttle, and develops suspension and anti-vibration systems. Michelin has 80 production sites on five continents, 130,000 employees and sales operations in over 170 countries. The Group achieved euro 15.6 billion sales in 2002.
About TRW
With 2002 sales of $10.6 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the top 10 automotive suppliers in the world. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the company employs approximately 61,000 people in 22 countries. Its products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services. TRW Automotive news is available on the Internet at www.trwauto.com .