TRW To Launch Integrated Stability Control And Electric Park Brake System

LIVONIA, Mich., Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW) has announced that it has won initial business awards for its integrated Electric Park Brake (EPBi) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. The combined system will launch in Europe and Asia Pacific with major vehicle manufacturers commencing in 2014 and later in North America.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121029/DE01769 )

The integration of the two technologies eliminates the need for a separate electronic control unit in the system network, as the EPB control functions are performed within the upgraded ESC electro-hydraulic control unit.

Josef Pickenhahn, vice president engineering, Braking, commented: "We can realize significant benefits when integrating the two technologies: reducing system complexity, weight and installation effort, in addition to offering vehicle manufacturers a potential cost reduction resulting from the elimination of the ECU."

The EPBi system, as with TRW's production EPB system, helps to enhance driving safety and comfort, as well as providing greater freedom in interior design and packaging. EPB and EPBi include additional functions such as drive away assist, automatic hill hold and electronically controlled deceleration - features which are not available with conventional mechanical park brake systems.

The new vehicle platforms will feature TRW's EBC460 slip control technology – its most advanced ESC which incorporates numerous upgrades to enhance value and performance.

"Since TRW launched its first ESC and EPB systems over a decade ago, the Company has continually added more features and functions while making the products smaller, lighter and less expensive. By integrating the two technologies, we are able to bring the benefits of two highly sophisticated braking technologies to market where we have proven experience – both in terms of advanced engineering and systems integration," Pickenhahn concluded.

The system will launch on C, D, E and MPV vehicle segments in Europe and in China.

About TRW

With 2011 sales of $16.2 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains statements that are not statements of historical fact, but instead are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  All forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 (our "Form 10-K"), and our Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2012 and June 29, 2012, such as: any developments related to antitrust investigations adversely affecting our financial condition, results, cash flows or reputation; any shortage of castings or other supplies causing a production disruption for any customers or us; general economic conditions causing a material contraction in automotive sales and production adversely affecting our results or the viability of our supply base; the unsuccessful implementation of our current expansion efforts adversely impacting our business and results; commodity inflationary pressures adversely affecting our profitability or supply base; strengthening of the U.S. dollar and other foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacting our results; pricing pressures from our customers adversely affecting our profitability; increasing costs negatively impacting our profitability; the loss of any of our largest customers materially adversely affecting us; risks associated with non-U.S. operations, including economic and political uncertainty in some regions, adversely affecting our business, results or financial condition; any inability to protect our intellectual property rights adversely affecting our business or our competitive position; costs of product liability, warranty and recall claims and efforts by customers to adversely alter contract terms and conditions concerning warranty and recall participation; costs or liabilities relating to environmental, health and safety regulations adversely affecting our results; work stoppages or other labor issues at our facilities or at the facilities of our customers or suppliers adversely affecting our operations; any disruption in our information technology systems adversely impacting our business and operations; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in our Form 10-K and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any update or revision to any of the forward-looking statements.

SOURCE TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.