TRW Supplies Innovative Electric Power Steering System on Mazda Global Small Car Platform
YOKOHAMA, Japan, Nov. 9, 2007 -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , the global leader in automotive safety systems, is supplying its column drive electric power steering (EPS) system for Mazda's new global small car platform.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010824/TRWLOGO )
TRW is a world leader in the development of electric steering systems and currently supplies more than 30 vehicle models worldwide with millions of systems shipped annually. Electric steering systems offer significant fuel efficiency advantages and reduced CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions as steering assist is only supplied upon driver demand through an electric drive system that is independent of the engine. Because electric steering systems operate under computer control, steering feel can be easily tuned through software, and they readily enable integration with other electronically controlled technologies such as electronic stability control braking systems. Electric steering systems are also ideal for supporting hybrid electric vehicle architectures.
Mazda is selling its new small car globally under the Mazda 2 nameplate and in Japan as the Demio. TRW launched the electric power steering system on the Demio when 2008 model sales began in Japan in early July. Sales of the new platform are running well above those of its predecessor, and the steering system has received positive reviews in the motor enthusiast press.
The steering system for the new platform features the first application of a new generation of TRW designed and manufactured fully electric power steering column. Thus TRW is able to supply all of the steering hardware and software: the column drive motor, electronic control unit and steering angle sensors, the column itself and the complete steering rack. This fully integrated approach enables a system focus and refined controls that give TRW column drive electric steering excellent on-center feel and other attributes similar to benchmark hydraulic rack and pinion power steering systems.
The TRW EPS system also communicates the steering position signal via the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) providing accurate, real-time data to other systems on the vehicle and can enable a high level of integration with other on-board systems for improved vehicle control.
"Over the past three years numerous TRW steering engineers have worked in residence at Mazda during the development of this vehicle," said Peter Lake, executive vice president, Sales and Business Development for TRW Automotive. "TRW is indeed pleased to be working closely with Mazda to supply a world-class electric steering system for the Mazda 2 and Demio platform."
About TRW
With 2006 sales of $13.1 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 28 countries and employs approximately 63,800 people worldwide. 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/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains statements that are not statements of historical fact, but instead are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made in this release. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements are set forth in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (the "10-K") and on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 30, June 29 and September 28, 2007, and include: production cuts or restructuring by our major customers; work stoppages or other labor issues at the facilities of our customers or suppliers; non-performance by, or insolvency of, our suppliers and customers, which may be exacerbated by bankruptcies and other pressures within the automotive industry; the inability of our suppliers to deliver products at the scheduled rate and disruptions arising in connection therewith; interest rate risk arising from our variable rate indebtedness; loss of market share by domestic vehicle manufacturers; efforts by our customers to consolidate their supply base; severe inflationary pressures impacting the market for commodities; escalating pricing pressures from our customers; our dependence on our largest customers; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; our substantial leverage; product liability and warranty and recall claims and efforts by customers to alter terms and conditions concerning warranty and recall participation; limitations on flexibility in operating our business contained in our debt agreements; the possibility that our owners' interests will conflict with ours and other risks and uncertainties set forth under "Risk Factors" in the 10-K and in our other SEC filings. We do not intend or assume any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.
Company News On Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/853755.html
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com