TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. to Manufacture Next Generation Heated Gas Inflator (HGI) in Mesa, Arizona

MESA, Ariz., July 13 -- TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce that beginning in late 2005, its Mesa Operations will manufacture the next generation Heated Gas Inflator (HGI), a world-class, low cost, environmentally friendly passenger airbag inflator.

Mesa Operations holds the technology patents for this new inflator technology that employs a simple high-pressure hydrogen fuel/air mixture and contains no solid propellant or moving parts. Production is scheduled to begin in October 2005 and is planned for multiple major North American vehicle manufacturers.

The new HGI line will replace older inflator technology that will transition out by mid-2005. Initial HGI production will run on one shift, with shifts to be added based on customer demand.

"We look forward to the challenges and opportunities this new program will bring to our operations in Mesa," said John Fry, Mesa Operations plant manager. "To meet the challenges of increased and intensified competition in the global automotive market, we must continue to demonstrate our ability to adjust the performance of our products to individual customer and market requirements."

TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. designs, develops, and manufactures driver, passenger, side-impact, rollover curtain, knee bolster, and air belt inflators and modules for automotive manufacturers in North America.

About TRW

With sales of $11.3 billion in 2003, TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. ranks among the top 10 suppliers in the world. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the company, through its subsidiaries, employs approximately 61,000 people in 22 countries. TRW 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. All references to "TRW Automotive", "TRW" or the "Company" in this press release refer to TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. TRW Automotive news is available on the Internet at www.trwauto.com/www.trwauto.de.