Delphi Wins Electric Power Steering Contract For Ford Escape Platform

First time Delphi EPS program for Ford to include Escape, Escape Hybrid and Mazda Tribute applications

TROY, Mich., Nov. 7 -- Delphi Corporation previously announced it had secured new North American electric power steering business and today confirms this business is with Ford Motor Company.

Ford has sourced Delphi's high performance, fuel-efficient Electric Power Steering (EPS) system for its best selling small SUV, the Ford Escape, which recently introduced Ford's first hybrid.

The 2008 model year platform also includes the Escape Hybrid and the Mazda Tribute.

This marks the first time Delphi will provide its Electric Power Steering system to Ford.

"We currently supply steering columns and other steering components to Ford and are very pleased to add electric power steering -- a fuel efficient, environmentally friendly technology," stated Robert J. Remenar, president, Delphi Steering.

Remenar went on to explain higher gas prices, positive market reaction to vehicles with hybrid powertrains, and high domestic sales of trucks and SUVs driving OEM fleet CAFE ratings up are all factors that influence the need for technology that can help improve fuel economy on passenger vehicles.

"Beyond fuel economy, our EPS system helps improve a vehicle's drivability through patented features like active returnability, active damping and continuously variable effort steering which enhance the driving experience," stated Ron Voigt, business line director, steering systems.

Delphi has produced more than 3.5 million EPS units since its system was first introduced in Europe in 1999. Delphi's applications in Europe today include five vehicles and the new Ford business takes Delphi's U.S. applications up from three vehicles to six.

At Delphi, we help make cars safer, cleaner, more efficient, and fun to drive. For more information about Delphi, visit Delphi's media room at http://www.delphi.com/media .