TRW Bids for Leadership Chassis Position in Global Aftermarket
31 October 2000
TRW Bids for Leadership Chassis Position in Global Aftermarket
Business Editors & Automotive WritersAutomotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX)
Booth No. 6038
LAS VEGAS--Oct. 31, 2000--TRW Inc. has made a further step in its bid to become the leading provider of chassis systems to the global aftermarket by launching a remanufactured rack and pinion program to the North American independent aftermarket under its AUTOSPECIALTY brand.
AUTOSPECIALTY, TRW's North American aftermarket business located in Carson, Calif., provides braking, clutch and now steering and suspension parts and service in the AUTOSPECIALTY brand to the independent aftermarket (IAM).
John Mullins, general manager, TRW North American IAM, said, "This is one of the most significant developments for our business in recent years. Steering and suspension is a natural extension to our product portfolio, to run alongside our leading AUTOSPECIALTY-branded braking and clutch programs. This is the next step in our plans to become the global leader in the development of chassis systems products to the aftermarket. We are targeting that steering and suspension will account for more than 20 percent of our sales within five years."
"Our OE leadership position means that we are able to keep our program at the cutting edge of technology; our colleagues in the steering and suspension original equipment business are developing systems for the next generation of vehicles and we are able to apply this expertise to the aftermarket."
"TRW will continue to be at the forefront of chassis systems developments as vehicle manufacturers call for integrated systems, combining features of advanced technology for braking, steering and suspension systems. In the aftermarket, we will offer the parts, service and technical information to diagnose and repair these increasingly complex systems."
The business plans to develop a comprehensive OE and all makes program, with all parts approved to TRW quality standards, building on the Company's leading original equipment position for steering and suspension. The program will consist of approximately 2,900 part numbers with the latest coverage available for the North American vehicle population.
TRW's steering and suspension business operates 43 facilities in 17 countries. Currently, TRW-branded steering and suspension products are distributed into certain markets by Federal-Mogul Corp. These rights do not affect the AUTOSPECIALTY-branded program.
Mullins added, "We will combine our program-making skills and our OE heritage to put together the best chassis program globally. In addition, we will be looking at how to develop our technical and service offering to ensure that our customers have first class support for all of their chassis systems requirements from us."
TRW's aftermarket business delivers a comprehensive range of replacement parts for braking, steering and suspension and clutch systems covering all vehicle makes and provides diagnostic services, test equipment, training and technical support for specialist workshops and garages. TRW's aftermarket business is part of TRW Chassis Systems, a world leader in braking, steering and suspension systems, commercial steering and engine components. TRW Inc. provides advanced technology products and services to the automotive and the aerospace and information technology markets. The company's 1999 sales were $17 billion. TRW news is available on two Internet sites at www.trw.com and www.businesswire.com/trw/.