TRW Automotive Unveils Advanced Integrated Safety Technologies at IAA, Frankfurt
FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 14 -- (IAA Booth F18, Hall 8) -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE:TRW) today unveiled its integrated safety systems platform at the IAA exhibition taking place in Frankfurt, Germany. The Company introduced a suite of technologies that integrate active and passive systems supported by TRW's broad range of environmental sensors. The systems offer enhanced functionality and are designed to help prevent accidents and/or mitigate their effects.
John Plant, TRW Automotive president and chief executive officer, said: "Pulling together our strength in sensors, driver assistance systems, braking, steering, slip control and occupant safety, we believe TRW's integrated safety systems take automotive safety to the next level. Only TRW has the breadth of both active and passive safety systems in its portfolio as well as the proven track record of integrating subsystems enabled by sensor technology.
"At TRW, expert engineers from each of our specialist safety areas work together to develop new technologies to support drivers, help prevent accidents and improve the outcome should a crash be inevitable.
"Working with our customers, we've selected intelligent solutions that are designed to offer the greatest consumer value."
Dr. Alois Seewald, global director of research and development, added: "The foundation of our integrated safety platform is our package of sensors which includes long- and short-range radar, video sensors, steering and roll angle sensors and electronic stability control sensors. Together these sensors create a complete picture of the driving environment and enable the most appropriate engagement of the integrated subsystems.
"Data fusion offers the benefit of the comparison of information from multiple sensor sources to make high level safety decisions. The data gathered enables the driver or the system to take the appropriate action to ensure the safety of the driver, passengers and pedestrians."
Integrated safety systems technologies include linked active and passive systems, combinations of active safety systems and the integration of passive systems, e.g.:
Enhanced Braking
This system uses the data gathered from TRW's Adaptive Cruise Control technology to offer an enhanced tire pressure monitoring system and improved braking.
Collision Warning
Collision warning is provided through either radar or video object detection and recognition.
Emergency Braking
Using data gathered through radar, this system offers intelligent braking in the form of emergency brake assist using speed over ground information.
Adaptive Restraints
This technology combines the TRW Active Control Retractor (ACR) and TRW Adaptive Cruise Control. The first to market, actuated, reversible seatbelt pretensioner, ACR is fed by data from the radar-enabled cruise control system to create the next step in optimized seat positioning ahead of a crash situation.
Pre Crash
Enhanced algorithms are fed into passive safety systems -- inflatable restraints and seatbelts -- based on pre crash and crash data.
Pedestrian Protection System (PPS)
This system detects the vehicle striking a pedestrian and lifts the hood to mitigate the impact.
Steering Torque Control
Combining the electronic stability control system with electrically powered steering, this system provides oversteer and understeer support or "coaching" and enables reduced stopping distances on split mu braking.
Enhanced Vehicle Dynamics
A vehicle's stability and controllability is significantly improved by interaction among the electronic stability control system, TRW's suspension control system (Active Dynamic Control), and advanced steering products.
Lateral Support
Video sensors read data regarding the lines and features of the road ahead to provide Lane Departure Warning and interface with electrically powered steering to offer Lane Guide.
Park Assist
Electrically powered steering couples with enhanced environmental sensing to automate parallel parking. During the parking maneuver, the system steers the car while the driver provides only throttle and braking input.
TRW Automotive unveiled its integrated safety portfolio at its exhibit at the IAA show. TRW's technology comes to life through a range of video presentations, demonstrator models, and simulators highlighting the company's complete range of safety systems.
About TRW
With 2004 sales of $12.0 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, employs approximately 60,000 people in 24 countries. 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.trwauto.com/ .
CONTACT: Lynette Jackson of TRW Automotive/Europe/Asia, +44-121-506-5315, Manley Ford of TRW Automotive, +1-734-855-2616, or John Wilkerson of TRW Automotive/North America, +1-734-855-3864
