TRW Automotive Launches Production of Steering and Occupant Safety Systems for New Ford Focus in China

LIVONIA, Mich., Jan. 19, 2006 -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , the global leader in automotive safety systems, announced today that the Company's operations in China have launched production of steering and occupant safety systems and components for the new Ford Focus model built at Chang'an Ford in Chongqing, China.

Recently named as one of Ford's preferred strategic suppliers, TRW has worked with its Ford Engineering partners in several regions on the Focus platform including Europe where the Focus earned a five-star EuroNCap crash rating. In China, Shanghai TRW Automotive Safety Systems Co., Ltd. (STASS), a joint venture between the Company and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, supplies occupant safety products including driver and passenger airbag modules and seatbelt systems and components for the Focus.

Steering products for the new model are supplied by TRW Automotive Components (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (TACS), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company, at its manufacturing facility in Shanghai.

A major steering technology featured on the Focus is TRW's electrically powered hydraulic steering (EPHS). The world's leading supplier of electrically assisted steering products, TRW has provided a full-range of steering technologies from hydraulic rack and pinion to EPHS and electrically powered steering (EPS) to support Ford's global platforms.

As part of TRW's comprehensive portfolio of electrically assisted steering systems, EPHS eliminates belts, pulleys and all direct connection with the engine, combining an advanced brushless motor, hydraulic power steering pump, electronic unit and reservoir into an easy to install unit. EPHS is an ideal steering solution for hybrid electric vehicles, and all electric steering systems offer enhanced fuel efficiency because they consume power only when steering assist is required.

The Focus has been one of Ford Motor Company's biggest passenger car successes, winning more than 75 medals including many top-selling vehicle awards in North America and Europe since its launch in 1998. Ed Carpenter, vice president, Asia Pacific, expressed enthusiasm towards the partnership, "TRW is delighted to be part of the China launch of this important platform. We take great pride in helping to develop leading-edge technologies with our engineering counterparts at Ford for outstanding vehicles like the Focus."

About TRW

With 2004 sales of $12.0 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading 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/ .