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Autoliv Builds Crash Lab in Japan

28 August 1998

Autoliv Builds Crash Lab in Japan

    STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Aug. 28 -- Autoliv Inc.
(SSE: ALIV), a worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, has decided to
expand its test capability by constructing a new crash testing facility at its
recently acquired site in Tsukuba, north of Tokyo, Japan.  The 27,000 square
foot (2.500 square meter) testing center will include a sophisticated,
high-tech sled track as well as several test rooms for electronics, airbags
and seat belts.  The building will also include a machine shop and additional
customer support functions for Autoliv's subsidiary in Japan.  Construction
will start in October and is expected to be completed by March of next year.
    The new construction is a continuation of Autoliv's policy of providing
not only just-in-time manufacturing but also nearby testing facilities to
better service vehicle manufacturers all over the world.
    Autoliv's facility will be one of the most advanced of its kind in Japan.
Similar to Autoliv's other 19 test tracks in nine countries, Autoliv's
Japanese test center and crash test experts will not only be used for
Autoliv's own research and development but also by vehicle manufacturers and
other external parties.
    It was in April this year that Autoliv acquired a production plant in
Tsukuba and most of the other assets of Sensor Technologies, a Japanese
manufacturer of airbag modules, sensors and electronics.  Autoliv is a major
supplier to Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi and Mazda, as well as the
leading supplier of inflators for airbag modules to the car industry in Japan.
The inflators are imported from the United States, while the airbag modules
are increasingly being produced in Japan, following Autoliv's acquisition of
the Tsukuba plant.
    Autoliv Inc. develops and manufactures automotive safety systems for all
major automotive manufacturers in the world.  The company has 60 wholly owned
subsidiaries and joint ventures with close to 20,000 employees in 27
vehicle-producing countries.  In addition, the company has eight technical
centers around the world, including 19 test tracks, more than any other
auto- motive safety supplier.  Sales in 1997 totaled US $3.3 billion and net
income US $185 million.  The company's shares are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange , its Swedish Depositary Receipts on the Stockholm Stock
Exchange (SSE: ALIV) and its stock options on the Chicago Board Options
Exchange (CBOE: ALV).