TRW Automotive Introduces New Head Protection System for Convertibles

ALFDORF, Germany, June 17 -- A subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , TRW Automotive GmbH, today unveiled a new head protection system for convertible vehicles. It is the first system located in the seat mount rather than the door trim - designed to offer head protection for the unique characteristics of convertibles. The development furthers TRW's strategy of innovation to help vehicle manufacturers provide intelligent safety solutions for consumers.

The system combines a thorax or pelvic-thorax module together with a head restraint module located in the upper seat-back. It is due to be launched with a major European vehicle manufacturer during the first half of this year.

Alexander Heilig, European engineering director for TRW Automotive's Occupant Safety Systems business, commented: "TRW's head protection system for convertibles has an innovative product design with two separate airbag safety systems for both head and torso protection. The two systems are designed to deploy in the event of a side impact or rollover accident. They work independently to allow individual tuning of the different protection zones yet operate from common sensors."

Both the head protection and thorax modules use a light-weight plastic housing, with the module located under the fabric and foam of the seat.

The head restraint module works with a hybrid gas inflator that enables it to deploy rapidly and remain inflated for a longer duration than other traditional airbags. This inflator was originally developed by TRW to meet global requirement for a low cost head protection system (HPS) for the small car market.

TRW is developing a range of occupant protection systems to support the growing market of convertible vehicles.

About TRW

With 2007 sales of $14.7 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 27 countries and employs more than 66,000 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.