TRW Camera Technologies - Our Vision Makes Life Easier for Drivers
LIVONIA, Mich., Aug. 24, 2009 -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , is continuing its quest to make cars smarter, safer and more convenient through the development and packaging of advanced camera and sensor technologies.
"Giving a vehicle the capability of seeing the road, the environment and the lighting conditions under which a driver is operating can be incredibly powerful," said Martin Thoone, vice president, TRW Electronics Engineering. "A multitude of things are possible from a package about the size of a deck of playing cards that can include a camera, rain sensor and the processor. Beyond the many safety benefits are the comfort and convenience possibilities such as automatic headlights and windshield wiping without the driver needing to do anything."
The camera and multi-sensor package is very small and lightweight, yet includes the processing power needed to support the many functions. The camera/sensor unit is positioned in the region of the rear view mirror mount looking outward through the windshield. Beyond automatic on-off headlamp control the camera technology can also determine in low light conditions if other traffic is in the vicinity and if not can automatically switch on the high beams for better vision at night or in tunnels.
In addition the rain sensor focuses on the windshield glass surface and uses an optical sensor that measures reflected light. The light reflection changes as moisture in the form of rain or snow falls on the windshield and the system will automatically engage the windshield wipers and can vary the speed of the wiper motor depending on the amount of moisture detected. Another feature that can be included in the sensor package is a humidity sensor that detects the amount of humidity in the vehicle interior and can activate the blower motor within the HVAC system to keep the windshield defogged.
"With so many distractions commanding the attention of today's driver, the automation of various functions can help to keep greater attention on the road ahead, and functions such as keeping the outer windshield free of moisture, the inner glass defogged and the headlights on at the optimal setting when low light conditions demand them all benefit giving the driver a clearer vision of the surroundings," Thoone said.
About TRW
With 2008 sales of $15.0 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 26 countries and employs approximately 60,000 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 www.trw.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. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties which can cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (our "Form 10-K") and in our Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended April 3, 2009 and July 3, 2009, such as: any prolonged contraction in automotive sales and production adversely affecting our results, liquidity or the viability of our supply base; the financial condition of OEMs, particularly the Detroit Three, adversely affecting us or the viability of our supply base; disruptions in the financial markets adversely impacting the availability and cost of credit negatively affecting our business; our substantial debt and resulting vulnerability to economic or industry downturns and to rising interest rates; escalating pricing pressures from our customers; commodity inflationary pressures adversely affecting our profitability and supply base; our dependence on our largest customers; costs of product liability, warranty and recall claims and efforts by customers to adversely alter terms and conditions concerning warranty and recall participation; strengthening of the U.S. dollar and other foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacting our results; any increase in the expense and funding requirements of our pension and other postretirement benefits; risks associated with non-U.S. operations, including economic uncertainty in some regions; work stoppages or other labor issues at our facilities or at the facilities of our customers or suppliers; assertions by or against us relating to intellectual property rights; the possibility that our largest stockholder's interests will conflict with ours or our other stockholders' interests; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in our Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revision to any of these forward-looking statements.
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