Delphi Brake Technology on GM Crossover Sport Vans

TROY, Mich., Feb. 28, 2005 -- Delphi today announced its electronic stability control (ESC) brake technology is featured on General Motors' front wheel drive (FWD) 2005 Crossover Sport Vans. The FWD Buick Terraza will incorporate Delphi's ESC, sold as StabiliTrak, as standard and it will be offered as optional equipment on the FWD Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6 and Saturn Relay.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently reported that stability control reduced fatalities in SUV crashes by 63 percent. If all vehicles were equipped with ESC technology, an estimated 7,000 lives could be saved annually.

"General Motors realizes the importance of these advanced braking technologies and is applying them to their vehicles," said Guy C. Hachey, president, Delphi Energy & Chassis. "We're proud to be a part of this effort to make vehicles more safe."

What is Electronic Stability Control (ESC)?

Delphi's ESC helps reduce or prevent vehicle spins and excessive understeer. Individual wheel brake and engine intervention assist the driver in reducing the difference between the driver's requested direction and the actual vehicle direction. ESC also integrates anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control (TCS) systems. The ESC algorithm determines when and how to activate the system, based on data from an additional sensor set. The brake modulator then applies corrective yaw movements through individual wheel brake control to bring the vehicle back toward the driver's requested direction.

"Delphi's goal is to help drivers in adverse conditions," said Alan Lee, Controlled Braking product line manager, Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems. "Delphi engineers focus on delivering active safety and rollover mitigation through enhanced brake, ride and handling control. The electronics and actuators continue to give us more control, which results in improved safety, comfort and security. The auto industry is moving from passive to active safety systems, and Electronic Stability Control is leading the charge."