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TRW and Simula Agree to Develop and Market Inflatable Seat Belts

10 November 1998

TRW and Simula Agree to Develop and Market Inflatable Seat Belt Technology

    WASHINGTON, Mich. and PHOENIX, Nov. 9 -- TRW and
Simula, Inc. announced today that they have signed a long-term
agreement to develop and market Simula's innovative inflatable seat belt
technology known as the inflatable tubular torso restraint (ITTR).  The
technology will become part of TRW's occupant protection system offerings to
worldwide automotive customers.
    The exclusive worldwide agreement covers passenger car and light truck
applications.  Two worldwide vehicle makers -- one in North America and one in
Europe -- have expressed strong interest in the technology.  TRW and Simula
are also working jointly on proposals to other automotive customers.
    "This exclusive agreement is representative of TRW's commitment to
developing and marketing the latest in seat belt and automotive technologies,"
said Robert M. Varga, vice president and general manager of Seat Belt Systems
for TRW.
    Simula Chief Executive Officer Donald Townsend said, "We believe that TRW
will be a great partner with Simula in advancing this technology.  TRW is the
world's largest provider of occupant restraints and Simula is a world leader
in advanced airbag design and manufacture.  We look forward to a successful
collaboration."
    The inflatable seat belt is based on Simula's inflatable tubular structure
(ITS).  TRW and Simula announced a separate agreement on June 9, 1998 to
integrate the ITS into TRW's side impact product offerings.  The companies are
continuing to market ITS to automotive customers worldwide.
    The inflatable seat belt supplements conventional seat belt protection by
adding pretensioning and energy management capabilities.  The technology also
can enhance protection during side impact collisions.  The inflatable belt can
be positioned in a number of locations.  The inflatable portion is located
within the torso section of the seat belt, cushioning and restraining the
occupant as the belt inflates to several inches in diameter.
    TRW is the world's largest provider of occupant restraints and
systems, including air bags, seat belts and steering wheel systems.  Based in
Cleveland, TRW provides advanced technology products and services for the
automotive and space and defense markets.  Sales for 1997 were about $12
billion, including the company's acquisition of BDM International.  TRW
automotive sales were more than $7 billion.
    Simula is a world leader in transportation safety and energy
absorption technology.  Based in Phoenix, Simula's product lines are
protective systems including inflatable restraints, air bags, and ballistic
armor; high-technology energy-absorbing aircraft seating systems; and rail and
mass transit seating systems.