TRW Automotive Safety Technology Helps 2004 Ford F-150 Earn Five Stars in NHTSA's Frontal Impact Crash Test

LIVONIA, Mich., April 26 -- World class products from TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., a TRW Automotive subsidiary, recently helped Ford Motor Co.'s 2004 F-150 Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew earn the top safety score -- five stars for both the driver and passenger side -- in the federal government's frontal impact crash test. Equipped with TRW's state-of-the-art dual-stage inflatable restraint systems and seat belt technologies -- including the seat belt reminder -- the F-150 provides superior crash protection. The F-150 was the only 2004 model-year pickup to earn this exceptional rating for both seat positions.

In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) test, which is officially known as the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), vehicles are rated on the level of protection that is provided to occupants who are properly restrained by their seat belt in a frontal collision.

TRW produces the primary restraint systems for the F-150, including passenger and driver side airbags with dual stage inflators that allow the deployment to be tailored depending on the size of the occupant and the severity of the crash. The driver side airbag is integrated into a TRW supplied steering wheel engineered for enhanced crashworthiness. The seat belt system is fitted with a pretensioning device designed to reduce slack from the seat belt system in the event of an accident.

These occupant safety system products help to make up Ford's "Personal Safety System" -- a suite of restraint technologies designed to tailor their response to the severity of the crash and other factors.

"Achieving a five-star rating for the F-150 is a great success for TRW and the Ford team given that such an exceptional rating is typically very difficult to earn due to the stiff crash pulse for trucks," said Doug P. Campbell, vice president of engineering for the occupant safety systems business of TRW Automotive. "Clearly, TRW Automotive is committed to producing world-class, advanced safety components and systems for its customers, which will ultimately help to make vehicles safer for consumers."

About TRW

With 2003 sales of $11.3 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's top 10 automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, 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 .