Yazaki Supplies Wiring for Ford's Mercury Meta One Vehicle Showcased at the 2005 North American International Auto Show

CANTON, Mich., Jan. 21, 2005 -- Yazaki Corporation (Yazaki), a leading supplier of vehicle power and data solutions to the automotive industry, is supplying several components to Ford Motor Company's Scientific Research Vehicle (SRV) project. The components include two high-voltage electrical distribution systems using high-voltage connectors.

The project is showcased in Mercury's Meta One Concept Car and Diesel Hybrid Powertrain Technology Display at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at Cobo Conference Center in Detroit, January 9-23.

"Yazaki is proud to bring its experience and innovation to such an important project," said Myron Trenne, vice president of Research and Development, Yazaki North America, Inc. "Our participation in the Mercury Meta One project illustrates our leadership in developing technologies for hybrid and fuel cell vehicles."

The two distribution systems include a wire harness with a DC Power connector and Direct Mount connectors to connect the battery to the inverter. The systems also use shielded High Voltage (HV) cables that effectively carry power while controlling electromagnetic interference (EMI). These cables are used in the first wire harness and in a second wire harness that uses Direct Mount connector for connection of inverter to electric motor. Benefits of Yazaki's technology include lower costs and elimination of EMI.

Yazaki supplied the DC Power Connector, shielded EV-HEV cable, and other high-voltage components to Ford's 2005 Escape Full Hybrid Technology (FHT) gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle.

The Mercury Meta One display features a Modular Hybrid Transmission (MHT) with a high-voltage electric motor and two hydraulic clutches that permit the motor to operate independently, or simultaneously, with the engine. The MHT electric machine and disconnect clutch physically replaces the torque converter of the six-speed automatic transmission. Future safety and powertrain technologies as well as advanced electronics are highlighted.

Yazaki Corporation is a global leader in the research, development and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions, as well as advanced electronic technologies for vehicle applications. Yazaki produces electrical distribution systems, fiber optics, instrumentation, solid-state power centers, connection systems and electronics. Worldwide, the company employs over 150,000 people in 37 countries, 1,500 of whom are based in the company's North American headquarters and research center campus in Canton, Michigan. For more information on Yazaki, log onto http://www.yazaki-na.com/ .