TRW Demonstrates Advanced Restraint Systems Leadership

17 September 1999

TRW Demonstrates Advanced Restraint Systems Leadership

    FRANKFURT, Germany--Sept. 16, 1999-- Demonstrating its leadership in advanced restraint systems, TRW Inc. announced at the International Automobil Ausstellung (IAA) show that it now has 22 advanced restraint systems contracts with global vehicle manufacturers.
    Fourteen of the contracts are for European vehicles. The awards further strengthen TRW's position as a leading occupant restraint systems supplier. TRW announced in March of this year that it had a dozen advanced restraint systems contracts involving program management responsibilities and production of numerous products and technologies.
    For some vehicle platforms, TRW also serves as the systems integrator for the complete occupant restraint system, conducting initial math modeling, prototyping and computer simulation, sled testing, and vehicle barrier crash testing. TRW significantly strengthened safety systems capabilities this summer with the opening of the Advanced Car Technology Systems (ACTS) facility in Sailauf, Germany.
    The DM 60 million/U.S. $33 million facility, a joint venture of TRW Inc. and Magna International Inc., is focused on the development of modular, functional, and safety systems. The center also currently offers vehicle makers space for testing, with 17 areas available.
    "As global automakers continue introducing advanced safety technologies, TRW is providing customers with its proven systems integration expertise, innovative restraint systems, and evolving products and technologies that help expand occupant protection to a wider range of crash situations," said James F. Smith, executive vice president and general manager of occupant safety systems for TRW.
    At the June 30 grand opening, TRW Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Joseph T. Gorman called ACTS "the finest independent development and testing center in the world, providing total vehicle and safety systems solutions to benefit the global automotive industry, our customers, and consumers."
    Among the advanced restraint technologies shown at IAA as part of TRW's advanced restraint systems portfolio are:


--   Driver, passenger, side-impact, and rollover air bags
--   Inflatable head rests and knee bolsters
--   Crash-severity sensors
--   Frontal dual-stage inflators
--   Seat belt pretensioners and energy management devices
--   Inflatable seat belts
--   Energy management seat belt retractors
--   Seat belt buckle switches
--   Integrated steering wheels

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. TRW Automotive produces electronic safety and security systems; is one of the world's leading providers of occupant restraint systems, including air bags, seat belts, steering wheels, and electronics; 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).