Ford Motor Company Awards CTS Corporation Development Agreement For Production Intent Advanced Occupant Classification System
ELKHART, Ind.--Sept. 14, 2004--CTS Corporation , a world leader in automotive sensors, actuators and subsystems used in powertrain, safety, suspension, fuel and emissions control systems, today announced that Ford Motor Company has selected CTS to develop a production intent occupant classification system (OCS) to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 (FMVSS208).Ford selected CTS to develop this production-intent occupant classification system based upon the demonstrated performance of CTS' next generation system currently in development. Tests of the CTS OCS showed it to be superior at meeting the federal requirements under all operating conditions while also addressing several key packaging and application needs of Ford.
FMVSS208 requires that by the 2006 model year, one hundred percent of all passenger vehicles sold in the United States be capable of distinguishing if a small child is in the front passenger seat so that the air bag deployment can be controlled to protect the child. The North American market for Occupant Classification Systems is estimated to be approximately $1 billion annually once the federal mandate is fully in place in 2006. Market entry for CTS' OCS could begin as soon as model year 2008.
About CTS Automotive Products: CTS Automotive Products designs and manufactures sensors, actuators and subsystems used in powertrain, safety, suspension, fuel and emissions control systems for automotive manufacturers worldwide. The Company manufactures automotive and related products in Elkhart and Berne, Indiana; Streetsville, Ontario, Canada; Glasgow, Scotland; Matamoros, Mexico; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and Dongguan, China.
For additional information on CTS occupant classification systems or related safety products, please contact Dan Koester, Vice President - OCS, phone: (574) 389-2868, or E-mail: dan.koester@ae.ctscorp.com.
About CTS:
CTS Corporation is a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic components and sensors, and a provider of EMS products and services for the automotive, computer and communications markets. The Company manufactures products in North America, Europe and Asia. A network of direct sales personnel, independent manufacturers' representatives and electronic distributors provides worldwide sales coverage. The Company's stock is traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "CTS." To find out more, visit the CTS Web site at www.ctscorp.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
The foregoing are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's expectations, certain assumptions and currently available information. Actual results may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of geopolitical, economic, health, industry and other factors which could affect the Company's operating results, liquidity and financial condition. Investors are encouraged to examine the Company's SEC filings, which more fully describe the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business.