TRW's Electric Park Brake for Front Axles Brings Advanced Safety to Smaller Vehicles
LIVONIA, Mich. -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW) today unveiled its Electric Park Brake (EPB) system for front axles - a development which makes the technology more affordable for a wider range of vehicle segments. TRW's EPB offers a number of safety benefits in addition to space optimization in the vehicle's passenger compartment thanks to the elimination of the handbrake lever or pedal.
Josef Pickenhahn, vice president, braking engineering at TRW commented: "Until recently, vehicle manufacturers have been reluctant to routinely fit disc brakes to the rear axles of small cars - normally a pre-requisite for EPB - because they are relatively expensive and lower cost drum brakes can comfortably meet performance specifications.
"TRW's front axle EPB offers an affordable solution, requiring only small modifications to the front axle calipers and integrating the necessary electronic components and software into an existing ESC control unit."
Similar to conventional rear EPB applications, the front axle system offers simple vehicle assembly within the wheel environment and enhances emergency braking performance through integration with ABS/ESC in the event of hydraulic failure. In addition, a wide range of comfort and safety features can be included, for example: hill and drive away assist; ECD (electronically controlled deceleration); rollaway detection; and premium stand still management to support 'stop and go' and 'auto hold' functionality.
Pickenhahn continued: "Our front axle EPB has the potential to further reduce the cost and weight of the rear drum brake systems which no longer require shoe actuators, linkages, fixing devices, cables, or the handbrake lever itself. It's a further example of how we're taking existing products and improving their affordability and fuel savings potential in line with market requirements to deliver the safety and efficiency that all drivers deserve."
TRW's front EPB is planned for launch in 2013.
About TRW
With 2010 sales of $14.4 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 26 countries and employs over 60,000 people worldwide. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services. All references to "TRW Automotive", "TRW" or the "Company" in this press release refer to TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. TRW Automotive news is available on the internet at www.trw.com.
SOURCE TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.
CONTACT: Lynette Jackson, TRW Automotive, +44.121.506.5315, Louise Colledge, TRW Automotive Europe, +44.121.506.5317
Web Site: www.trw.com
