Autoliv Begins Advanced Airbag Cushion Production in North America

28 September 1999
Autoliv Begins Advanced Airbag Cushion Production in North America
    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 28 -- Autoliv Inc.
-- A new manufacturing plant dedicated to the
production of advanced airbag cushions has been launched by Autoliv, Inc., the
world leader in automotive safety systems.
    The 100,000 square foot Tilbury facility will house CAD-CAM-driven looms
capable of producing complex, multi-layer fabric for woven airbag cushions.
The operation is expected to supply North American automakers with two million
cushions in 2000 and 3.5 million units in 2001.
    "This advanced technology is the first of its kind in North America,"
notes Autoliv's President and Chief Executive Officer, Lars Westerberg.  "It
will play a crucial role in enabling Autoliv to meet the growing demand for
sophisticated next-generation adaptive occupant safety systems, an arena in
which the company has established a clear leadership position."
    The company's patented one-piece weaving (OPW) technology results in a
single piece of material achieving what would otherwise require multiple
pieces with many sewing operations.  A state-of-the-art coating operation,
laser-cutting department and final assembly department will augment the
plant's proprietary weaving equipment.  The facility will also support
in-house design, engineering, testing and prototyping capabilities.
    Tilbury's first manufacturing contract will supply Autoliv's innovative
Inflatable Curtain (IC), a side-impact occupant-protection system.  The
Inflatable Curtain, which was introduced last year on Volvo, Mercedes, Toyota
and Audi vehicles, will be available in North American cars early next year as
a result of the new Tilbury facility's advanced technology.
    Autoliv Inc. develops and manufacturers automotive safety systems for all
major manufacturers in the world.  The company has 60 wholly owned
subsidiaries and joint ventures with close to 22,000 employees in
27 vehicle-production 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 1998 totaled US $3.5 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).  Autoliv can be found on the internet at
http://www.autoliv.com .

    Inquiries
    Lars Westerberg, President & CEO, Autoliv Inc., Tel +46(8)58 72 06 20
    Mats Odman, Dir. Corp. Comm. Tel. +46(8)58 72 06 23 ;  Mob +1(248)760-1329
    Barry Murphy, Director, Investor Relations, Tel. +1(248)475-0409