TRW Automotive Launches Next Generation Electric Parking Brake on Audi A6
LIVONIA, Mich., April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — TRW Automotive has launched its next generation Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system on the new Audi A6. The system, an important step in the evolution towards fully electrical braking systems, handles emergency stop and conventional parking brake applications. TRW Automotive has contracts for its EPB systems with a number of major vehicle manufacturers; previous launches include those on the Audi A8 and Lancia Thesis. The A6 EPB system represents a further evolution for this technology. For the first time an actuator without a hall sensor — the sensor that monitors motor revolutions — is in serial production. The A6 system also offers enhanced features such as drive away assist for hill starts without roll back and emergency braking via the vehicle stability control system. Josef Pickenhahn, vice president braking engineering, TRW Automotive said: “The EPB system is part of TRW Automotive’s ongoing commitment to enhance overall brake system performance and driver comfort and convenience. The system functions as a conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake applications and as an electric brake for parking. “Its electronic cable and control switches simplify routing and allow for greater freedom of design for vehicle interiors. Its smaller package becomes The System The EPB system is composed of two electro-mechanical actuators integrated into the rear disc brake calipers and a controller with redundant connections to the power supply. The system interfaces with the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN) for continuous monitoring and feedback. The EPB system’s communication interface with vehicle computer systems means that a number of design features can be added or deleted as specified for the application. As well as drive-away assist and emergency braking, the A6 system offers the following features: Although the idea of electrically actuating the parking brake cable is not new, TRW Automotive takes the technology a step further — integrating the motors and actuators into brake calipers and bringing closer than ever the ability to replace the mechanical systems of today. About TRW With 2003 sales of $11.3 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world’s top 10 automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, employs approximately 61,000 people in 22 countries. Its products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant Forward-Looking Statements This release contains statements that are not statements of historical fact, but instead are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made in this release. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements are set forth in the TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. Final prospectus dated as of February 2, 2004 (the “Prospectus”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) and include: our substantial leverage; the highly competitive automotive parts |