Yazaki Supplies High Voltage Technology For 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

CANTON, Mich., Jan. 9, 2006 -- Yazaki North America, Inc. (Yazaki) is pleased to be a supplier of the 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, one of the vehicles on display at this year's North American International Auto Show. Yazaki supplied the high voltage Electrical Distribution System (EDS) components on the Mariner, which was recently named 2006 "Green" Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal.

The Yazaki EDS components help to provide point-to-point transfer of power and data to the entire vehicle electrical power train. A hybrid vehicle has two main components: an electrical motor that typically operates at approximately 300 volts alternating current and a gasoline motor. Working in conjunction, they help propel the vehicle. Yazaki high voltage EDS components connect to the electric motor in the vehicle to provide the power.

In order to be capable of conducting the approximately 330 volts of power required by the electrical motor, the high voltage EDS Components (e.g. wire and connectors) Yazaki supplies are tested and rated at 600 volts as opposed to the traditional 30 volt testing for 14 volt wiring and connection systems.

Yazaki Corporation is a global leader in the research, development and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions, as well as advanced electronic technologies for vehicle applications. Yazaki produces electrical distribution systems, fiber optics, instrumentation, solid-state power centers, connection systems and electronics. Worldwide, the company employs over 150,000 people in 37 countries, 1,500 of whom are based in the company's North American headquarters and research center campus in Canton, Michigan. For more information on Yazaki, log onto http://www.yazaki-na.com/ .