TRW Automotive Supplies Advanced Comfort and Safety Systems to the New Volkswagen Passat
LIVONIA, Mich., May 3, 2005 -- TRW Automotive GmbH, a subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp today unveiled its next generation driver assistance and active safety technologies launched on the new Volkswagen Passat.
The new Passat features a host of advanced TRW technologies, including a radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system, which continues to set the industry standard for distance control performance. This system is complemented by a new breakthrough in integrated active safety technology -- Stopping Reduction 1 -- as well as the industry's first ever integration of electronic stability control (ESC) and electronic park brake (EPB) technologies.
In addition, TRW supplies seatbelts; driver, passenger, side impact and curtain airbags; safety electronics; and the steering wheel for the new Passat.
TRW's Stopping Reduction 1 system works to shorten the stopping distance in the event of an emergency. When the radar foresees a critical situation, the technology allows the brakes to pre-fill and reduces the trigger thresholds of the Hydraulic Brake Assist, thus providing full braking force the instant the driver engages the brakes and reducing the stopping distance.
TRW's ACC technology -- currently available in its first generation on the Volkswagen Phaeton -- is a radar-based system which acts as normal cruise control holding the vehicle at a set speed until a slower vehicle appears in front. If the radar detects another vehicle in its path, the system automatically brakes or accelerates to maintain a driver-selected gap (constant time interval) to the vehicle in front. This way, the system provides enhanced driver comfort when cruising on highways.
The integrated ESC and EPB technology offers a number of features in addition to standard electronic stability control. Functions of this integrated system include auto hold, hydraulic brake boost, emergency brake assist and tire pressure monitoring, as well as supporting the automatic electronic deceleration for the adaptive cruise control system.
Werner Kunz, TRW's global account director for Volkswagen and BMW, said: "We've worked in partnership with Volkswagen for a number of years to develop these advanced active safety systems.
"Research has demonstrated that ACC systems can greatly enhance the comfort of the driving experience. With conventional cruise control, the driver is required to constantly reset the system when encountering traffic. The ACC system, however, will support the driver to maintain a set speed by automatically braking or accelerating with the flow of traffic. This reduces the stress of the driving experience, increases driving comfort and allows the driver to better concentrate on the traffic. We have created sophisticated algorithms which control engine power output and the braking system to ensure the most comfortable control of the selected vehicle cruising speed.
"We believe that radar-based ACC systems offer many benefits over the alternative infrared systems. Infrared systems are reliant upon a line of sight to operate effectively. This provides two distinct disadvantages. Not only is it possible for these beams to be reflected by precipitation such as raindrops or fog, but infrared systems must also be packaged externally at the front of the car. By incorporating a radar-based system, the VW Passat can offer improved performance, under all weather conditions, packaged behind the VW badge situated on the grille."
About TRW
With 2004 sales of $12.0 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's top 10 automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, employs approximately 60,000 people in 24 countries. TRW Automotive 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/ .