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Integrated Vehicle Control Systems: A Revolution Through Evolution

3 March 2000

Integrated Vehicle Control Systems: A Revolution Through Evolution ... And Integration

    LIVONIA, Mich.--March 3, 2000--With its new integrated vehicle control system (IVCS) on display March 6-9 at the SAE 2000 World Congress in Detroit, TRW will show how its systems integration expertise can yield improved performance, function, and safety at reduced cost--for vehicles being developed today, as well as for future X-by-wire vehicles. With IVCS, TRW takes integration beyond vehicle dynamics control, incorporating occupant safety, collision avoidance, navigation, and intelligent transportation.
    Underscoring its exhibit theme, The Value of Integration, TRW's IVCS integrates multiple products from the company's broad technology portfolio, which was expanded through the global supplier's 1999 acquisition of LucasVarity plc.
    According to Lou Bogart, TRW product business director, integrated vehicle control systems, TRW is taking an evolutionary building-block approach to creating revolutionary integrated vehicle control systems based on two of today's core products--vehicle stability control (VSC) and electrically assisted steering (EAS).
    "The electronic control found in today's VSC and EAS systems provides the perfect foundation to use IVCS software to optimize the functionality of each system and to provide new functions through integration," Bogart said. "By applying TRW's proven software and systems integration expertise, we have the enviable position where the more electronic control systems that automakers specify for a vehicle, the more potential we have to improve performance, safety, comfort, and cost."
    For example, on a vehicle equipped with TRW VSC, the addition of an active roll control (ARC) system can create significant stability and control improvements, with a 25 percent savings compared with the cost of a stand-alone ARC system--if an integrated approach is taken. Similarly, by adding and integrating other subsystems that can share electronics, sensors, and software--such as electrohydraulic braking, active body control, rear wheel steering, and adaptive cruise control--TRW can increase functionality and improve performance while minimizing complexity and cost.
    Bogart said integrated vehicle control is a hot topic with customers since it really changes the affordability equation of advanced systems. TRW already has several advanced development contracts with major European vehicle manufacturers for these integrated systems, several featuring X-by-wire technologies.
    According to Aly A. Badawy, TRW vice president, engineering, steering and suspension, by melding its building block approach to IVCS with its growing expertise in modular chassis systems, TRW is driving the evolution of the ultimate advanced integrated vehicle control system module. Future generations of TRW IVCS will be embedded in intelligent chassis modules and will enable control of all of the primary subsystems that affect the dynamic behavior of the vehicle. TRW expects that this type of advanced IVCS, based on current automaker interest, could enter production by 2006.

    Modules, VSC, and EAS Are the Keys

    Chassis modules, VSC, and EAS are all key enablers for the evolution of TRW's integrated vehicle control systems. A pioneer and a leader in chassis module development with 20 module programs already underway, including brake and suspension modules, TRW currently has more than $1 billion targeted for chassis module business in 2003. Additionally, TRW is in the process of expanding global reach through strategic relationships in additional growth markets and technologies.
    TRW will be the first to market with VSC systems for North American-designed sport utility vehicles and minivans. In addition, TRW currently has nine contracts for its VSC systems with automakers around the world. TRW's VSC system improves vehicle handling during severe driving maneuvers by building upon antilock braking and traction control functions. In this system, more powerful computers are used to process and react to additional information provided by brake pressure, steering angle, lateral acceleration, and yaw rate sensors.
    For example, to assist a driver in avoiding a potentially dangerous oversteer condition when navigating a steep curve, the VSC controller might subtly apply the brakes of certain wheels and instruct the engine to decelerate in order to improve control.
    TRW currently has 12 production or development contracts for its EAS systems with eight automakers around the world, and expects that by the year 2010 one out of three cars built will feature some type of electric steering technology. TRW's electrically assisted steering (EAS) systems improve average fuel economy by up to 5 percent; enhance performance, handling, and safety; and reduce development time through a unique tunability feature.
    With 200 automotive locations in 25 countries, TRW Inc. is among the world's largest OEM suppliers. The company is a leading producer of steering and suspension systems; braking systems; occupant restraint systems, including air bags, seat belts, and steering wheels; electronic safety and security systems; engineered fastening systems; engine components; commercial steering systems; and aftermarket replacement parts for the global automotive industry. In 1999, TRW's automotive businesses recorded sales of more than $11 billion, approximately two-thirds of the company's total $17 billion in sales.
    Based in Cleveland, Ohio, TRW also provides advanced-technology products and services for the aerospace and information technology markets worldwide. For more information about TRW, including its news releases, visit the company's Web site at www.trw.com.