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\Improved Performance Drive Growth of TRW's Electric Steering Systems

15 September 1999

Fuel Economy, Improved Performance Drive Growth of TRW's Electric Steering Systems in Europe

    FRANKFURT--Sept. 14, 1999--With the new millennium approaching, the future of automotive steering systems is electric steering, which offers simplified vehicle assembly, increased fuel economy, better vehicle handling, and improved safety. As recent contract awards by global automotive supplier TRW suggest, the future is here with the company's family of Electrically Assisted Steering (EAS) systems.
    Offering manufacturers reduced development time, faster assembly, and lower overall costs, TRW EAS now has a total of five production and/or development contracts from four automakers around the world. Recent contract developments include:

--   Opel--expanded its contract to make TRW the sole supplier of
     Electrically Powered Hydraulic Steering (EPHS) systems for the
     Astra and Zafira models, with production expected to reach more
     than 1 million units in 2001;

--   Volkswagen--will equip a new platform that enters production this
     fall with TRW's EPHS system; and

--   Two European automakers--each has awarded TRW a platform for its
     Electrically Powered Steering (EPS) system. Production for the
     column-drive EPS units will begin in 2001 and will reach 1.3
     million units by 2003.

    TRW is exhibiting its family of EAS systems--modular, fully assembled, pre-tested and ready-to-bolt-on units--here Sept. 16- Sept. 26 at the 1999 Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA) Show.
    Demand is expected to boom for electric steering technology-- eventually increasing to an estimated one out of every three cars built by the year 2010. Fueling this rapid growth are the many benefits of electric steering, as well as the packaging flexibility of TRW's broad portfolio of EAS systems, according to Brendan Connor, managing director, TRW EAS.
    "To help provide automakers worldwide with more packaging options for a broader range of vehicle classes, TRW offers four EAS systems that address all passenger car and light truck vehicle segments," Connor said. "Regardless of the EAS system you choose, each one benefits all stakeholders--automakers, consumers, and employees--by providing significant performance and economic advantages that just aren't available in conventional steering systems."
    According to Connor, TRW's EAS systems can improve average fuel economy by up to 5 percent, enhance performance and handling, reduce steering system energy requirements up to 85 percent, enhance safety by providing power steering even when the engine stalls, reduce overall costs, and decrease automaker assembly time.
    TRW EPHS combines an electrically driven hydraulic pump with conventional rack-and-pinion steering to give the most precise handling and steering assistance with minimal energy consumption. TRW EPS is an environmentally friendly, fully electric system that eliminates the hydraulic fluid, hardware, and potential contamination and leakage problems of conventional hydraulic systems--saving automakers approximately 190,000 liters of hydraulic fluid for every 100,000 vehicles produced.
    TRW's EAS systems decrease vehicle development time and costs through a unique "tunability" feature. From a laptop computer in the vehicle's interior--even while circling a test track--engineers can tune in a wide range of steering characteristics. This can save months of work required to achieve the same effect on a conventional hydraulic system. This instant customization also allows the steering to be matched quickly to various suspension packages and easily allows engineers to use steering "character" to achieve product differentiation and build distinctive brand personality.
    Incorporating the latest technological advances, the EAS systems use electronic controls and software designed by the same TRW people involved in developing programs for aerospace systems, according to Connor.
    Here are some of the technological highlights for each system:

--   The EPHS module combines a 12-volt DC electric motor, hydraulic
     power steering pump, electronic control unit, and a conventional
     rack-and-pinion power steering system. The motor is commutated
     electronically, so there are no brushes to wear out.

--   The rack-drive EPS unit uses a lightweight 12-volt high-output
     brushless motor. The motor's low inertia provides better dynamic
     performance, including enhanced system response and improved
     vehicle yaw stability. Driver safety also is ensured since the
     unique system provides assisted steering independent of the
     engine. The recirculating ball nut rack drive minimizes friction
     to provide natural steering feel.

--   The column-mounted and pinion-drive EPS systems integrate torque
     sensing, electric motor control, and electronics into a compact
     lightweight module. At the heart of the system is an optical
     torque sensor, whose noncontacting design and mechanical
     simplicity enhance reliability, reduce electromagnetic
     interference, and produce high-quality torque and position data.

    In anticipation of the prospective shifts to increased voltage by automakers, TRW has demonstrated 42-volt versions of its four EAS systems. TRW also is integrating the steering angle data output from its EAS technology into vehicle stability control and integrated vehicle control systems--an initial step in the greater level of integration of vehicle control systems.
    A full-service supplier with total steering and suspension engineering capabilities, TRW's Chassis Safety Systems business offers a wide array of wheel-to-wheel components, systems, and modules. Products include rack-and-pinion steering gears, power-steering pumps and hoses, complete hydraulic steering systems, linkage and suspension components, chassis modules, and suspension systems, as well as the broadest portfolio of electrically assisted steering systems available today.
    TRW Inc. provides advanced technology products and services for the global automotive, aerospace and information systems markets. The company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the world's largest independent automotive component suppliers. In addition to chassis systems, TRW Automotive produces electronic safety and security systems; occupant restraint systems; steering and suspension systems; engineered fastening systems; engine components; braking systems; diesel systems; and aftermarket replacement parts for the global automotive industry. The company's news releases are available through TRW's corporate Web site (www.trw.com).