TRW Automotive Opens New Commercial-Vehicle Steering Facility in China

LIVONIA, Mich., March 3 -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , the global leader in automotive safety systems, announced today that the Company's commercial steering business has opened a new manufacturing facility in Changchun, China.

Located in the Changchun High-tech Development Zone, the 30,000-square- meters site is the new home to TRW FAWER Commercial Vehicle Steering Systems (Changchun) Co., Ltd. (TFCVS), a joint venture between TRW Automotive J.V. LLC and FAWER Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. FAWER is a subsidiary of China's largest vehicle maker, the First Automobile Works (FAW). TFCVS launched operations in April 2004. TRW holds 55 percent of the venture equity and FAWER holds 45 percent.

The plant supplies more than 20 types of steering products to domestic and overseas commercial vehicle markets, with primary customers being the middle- sized truck and heavy truck manufacturers. The plant also exports machined components to the US and Mexico.

The new TFCVS facility accommodates 14 production lines with an annual capacity of 250,000 units. Two of the newly installed lines produce steering gears and parts based on TRW Advanced Steering (TAS) technology. TAS products require less steering effort, and offer more responsive, precise steering and reduced noise levels than comparable products.

Ed Carpenter, Vice President, TRW Asia Pacific, serves as the Chairman on the TFCVS Board of Directors. "The growing Chinese commercial vehicle market offers a wide range of opportunities for TRW," he said. "Through partnership with FAWER, we have secured a strong presence in the marketplace. The opening of this advanced facility marks an important milestone for TFCVS. The joint venture is committed to becoming one of the best suppliers for commercial vehicles makers in China and abroad."

About TRW

With 2005 sales of $12.6 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, employs approximately 63,000 people in 25 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/.