Evolution of Interior Vehicle Control Systems Embodied by TRW Integrated Electronic Control Panel

LIVONIA, MI--May 17, 2012: Since unveiling its Integrated Electronic Control Panel (IECP) in 2007, the TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. Body Control Systems business has continually evolved the technology that combines major interior controls, advanced vehicle network architectures and telematics into a single, convenient panel in the vehicle's center stack. This has led to a number of new customer contracts with major global vehicle manufacturers.

"TRW's successful design, development and launch on Ford Motor Company's global platforms such as the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus has led to significant growth and continued technology development for TRW," said Vic Peltola, director, sales and business development for Body Control Systems.

"TRW has also secured IECP contracts on two of the top ten selling vehicles in North America, establishing the Company as a leader in the Integrated Electronic Control Panel market."

TRW is further enhancing IECP technology with intuitive interfaces and customizable trim options including:

• Projected Graphics
• Reconfigurable Icons
• Capacitive Touch Panel and Display Screen Integration
• Touch Pad with Script Recognition
• Capacitive Touch Sensing
• Color on Demand
• Membrane Switch Technology
• Anti Finger Print and Anti Scratch Surface Technologies
• Haptic Integration

The latest designs yield many benefits to vehicle manufacturers and consumers, including enhanced cabin styling and helping to minimize driver distraction due to simplified human machine interface (HMI).

"This is exciting technology," said Peltola. "We are working closely with our customers at the ground level as a consultative strategic partner to seamlessly integrate technologies into the center panel space while minimizing driver distraction and helping to keep drivers safe."

The IECP offers highly flexible customized design including color matching to the interior, back lighting and jeweled surfaces, as well as providing superior fit and finish.  It could include external device interfaces -- offering both direct and wireless (Bluetooth®[1]) interface and control of nomadic devices including cell phones, MP3 players, Radio, Broadband internet access, and navigation devices.

"Our IECP technology roadmap calls for increasing levels of sophistication including hybrid touch sensing technologies, touch screen displays, proximity sensing and even the possibility of gesture recognition and advanced vision technology to assist in controlling vehicle functions," said Raad Konja, engineering director for Body Control Systems.

Konja concluded: "IECP technology represents a quantum leap forward for the art and science of vehicle interior design and control functions."

[1] Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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 TRW .