Omron Automotive Introduces 'Ultra Miniaturized Micro 280 Relay'

DETROIT, March 8 -- The number one supplier of automotive relays to the North American automotive industry, Omron Automotive Electronics, introduced today the latest addition to its extensive relays product line -- the G8VA, a new line of ultra-miniaturized micro 280 relays. The relays are approximately half the size of traditional micro 280 relays, yet they maintain the same level of performance as larger switches. Micro 280 relays are typically used in applications such as electric sunroofs, blower fan motors, air conditioning clutch coils, anti-lock braking systems, headlamps, brake lamps, fuel pumps, and horns.

"Our experience and capabilities in designing and engineering relays for the automotive industry have made it possible to miniaturize this latest line of relays and meet the needs of our customers," says Jerry Bricker, vice president and general sales manager of Omron Automotive Electronics. "This truly is a remarkable achievement and provides our customers not only with opportunity for cost reductions, but greater flexibility in packaging, as well."

The new G8VA relays are being marketed globally, and Omron has been awarded contracts for them from North American OEMs for MY 2005 and 2006. They are manufactured in Omron's facility in Iida, Japan.

About Omron

Omron Automotive Electronics, headquartered in Novi, Michigan, USA, is a division of Omron Automotive Electronic Components Company, Nagoya, Japan. Omron Automotive designs and manufactures a wide range of advanced electronic control units and sensors, including laser radar sensors, remote keyless entry systems and power window and sliding door anti-pinch controls. Other products include various ergonomic switch assemblies and PCB and plug-in relays. The division has 700 employees in North America with one manufacturing facility in the U.S. and two in Canada. Sales for the 2002 fiscal year were $200 million.

Omron Corporation was founded as a maker of relays for x-ray timers in 1933. In addition to automotive electronic components, the company's major markets include industrial automation, electronic and mechanical components for commercial and industrial uses, healthcare products, ATM machines, card readers and traffic control systems, plus new ventures into intelligent transportation systems, information technology and wireless communications. The corporation has more than 23,000 employees in 30 countries globally. Fiscal year 2002 sales exceeded $5 billion.