TRW Automotive Systems Integration Contributes to the Ford Focus Euro NCAP Five Star Rating

LIVONIA, Mich., Dec. 2, 2004 -- TRW Automotive GmbH, a subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , today announced that occupant safety systems products, including new three dimensional side airbag technology, contributed to the new Ford Focus achieving a Euro NCAP five star occupant protection rating.

TRW supplied the entire restraint system including driver airbag, steering wheel, passenger airbag, seat integrated side airbag, curtain airbag and front and rear seatbelt systems. In addition, TRW was awarded the systems integration contract for occupant safety systems on the platform. This involved not only developing its products to meet component level specifications, but also co-ordinating the development of the restraint system and its interacting components such as the seat, instrument panel, headliner and steering column to meet systems level specification targets.

TRW Automotive also supplied the electrically powered hydraulic steering system and lower ball joints for this platform.

Peter Lake, executive vice president sales and business development for TRW Automotive, said: "As a leader in safety systems we are able to offer our customers real competitive advantage. As consumers are ever more aware of the safety ratings of vehicles, TRW works with its customers to create technologies which optimize vehicle safety and comfort.

"For this project our effort has been recognized both by the customer and independently through this excellent safety rating."

Engineering project manager for TRW, systems manager, Thomas Hasbach, added: "As well as our work in tuning the components and testing the performance of the safety systems on the vehicle, we developed new technology for the platform including a new TRW three dimensional side airbag and next generations of our retractor and pretensioner systems.

"The innovative side airbag offers significant improvements in unfolding characteristics and greater cover and protection of the occupant's upper body."

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. 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 http://www.trwauto.com/ .