---

Autoliv Launches Steering Wheel Production in North America

9 October 1998

Autoliv Launches Steering Wheel Production in North America

    COLUMBIA CITY, Ind., Oct. 9 -- Autoliv Inc., a worldwide
leader in automotive safety systems, today announced that it has begun
production of steering wheels at its new facility in Columbia City.
    "This is an important milestone for Autoliv," said Brad Murray, President
of Autoliv North America.  "Not only does this strengthen our global steering
wheel systems capabilities, but it also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to
provide our customers with fully-integrated safety system solutions."
    The new operation is Autoliv's first steering wheel facility in North
America and within the next two years will provide approximately 10% of the
demand from U.S. automobile manufacturers for both conventional and integrated
steering wheel assemblies.  Located in the Park 30 industrial complex, the new
facility is ideally situated to provide just-in-time delivery to North
American vehicle manufacturers.  Covering more than 100,000 square feet, the
plant will employ approximately 300 people by the year 2000, when it becomes
fully operational.
    "We are excited about the challenges that a new facility presents," said
Plant Manager Erv Glass.  "With pricing pressure intensifying, developing
cost-effective manufacturing processes requires ingenuity, particularly when
choosing to remain in North America.  We have an outstanding workforce and
look forward to maintaining a supportive and innovative work environment for
our employees."
    Autoliv entered the steering wheel market in 1995 by acquiring 49% of the
shares of IsoDelta, a leading European company in this field.  With plans to
make this company a wholly-owned subsidiary next year, Autoliv has also begun
project studies for local manufacturing facilities in Latin America and Asia
and expects total sales for its steering wheel business to double in as little
as two to three years.

    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
automotive 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 (Stockholm: ALIV) and its stock options on the Chicago Board Options
Exchange (CBOE: ALV.)