TRW Automotive Press Release:
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. - the global leader in active and passive safety systems - has announced that it is supplying its Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system to several new vehicles, including the MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops, the Saab 9-3, and various General Motors heavy-duty pickup trucks.
TRW's ESC can help to add value, protection and safety to the full spectrum of passenger vehicle types. In fact, with the new vehicles being added this year, TRW will be supplying ESC technology to more than 40 different models produced by more than a dozen automakers around the world - ranging from small compact cars to large pickup
trucks and 15-passenger vans.
"By offering a wide range of systems and feature functions, TRW's ESC can fit virtually every light vehicle need," said Josef Pickenhahn, vice president, brake engineering for TRW Automotive. "With standard, high performance and premium systems available, TRW can provide vehicle manufacturers with the desired level of cost and technology to fit the specific character and needs of their vehicles. As we continue to develop and add functionality to TRW ESC systems, this technology plays
a crucial role in the evolution of next-generation active safety systems."
An active safety system, ESC assists drivers in maintaining the lateral stability of the vehicle during difficult driving situations such as oversteer and understeer. By monitoring vehicle velocity information and driver inputs, ESC can proactively apply brake pressure to the appropriate wheels and, if necessary, cut engine throttle, to reduce the possibility of a loss of driver control.
TRW's ESC technology allows for a range of active
and passive safety integration opportunities, including integration with:
- Adaptive Cruise Control to enable pre-crash and emergency braking functions, using short- or long-range radar sensors or video sensors for Electronically Controlled Deceleration or full brake pressure for Emergency Brake Assist;
- Electrically Powered Steering to provide Steering Torque Control function, which helps steer drivers in the correct direction to avoid skidding and sliding and can reduce braking distances on
split mu surfaces; and
- Regenerative braking through TRW's Slip Control Boost system for hybrid vehicles.
Other TRW ESC enhancements include systems such as trailer brake stabilization that helps improve vehicle dynamics when towing significant loads, and dynamic rear proportioning that helps to balance braking without the need for separate proportioning valves.
About TRW
With 2006 sales of $13.1 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries,
employs approximately 63,800 people in 26 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 http://www.trwauto.com/.
