TRW Unveils Next-Generation Integrated Electronic Control Panel for Distinctive Interiors and Simplified Human Machine Interface

LIVONIA, Mich., June 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. Body Control Systems business has unveiled its next-generation Integrated Electronic Control Panel (IECP) that combines major interior controls, advanced vehicle network architectures, and telematics into a single, convenient panel in the vehicle's center stack.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080604/CLW057 ) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010824/TRWLOGO )

The new design yields many benefits to the vehicle manufacturer and consumer, including enhanced cabin styling and improved safety due to simplified human machine interface (HMI).

"The integrated control panel is truly a leap forward for automotive interior design and for the way people interact with vehicles," said Victor Peltola, director, sales and business development for TRW North America Body Control Systems. "Technology advancements have led to an incredible array of personal communication devices as well as vehicle-based infotainment and telematics. Add these to traditional onboard systems and vehicle cockpits are being transformed into virtual command centers."

For vehicle manufacturers, the IECP enables: -- Differentiation - customization and advanced HMI technologies such as capacitive touch sense (similar to a touchscreen) can be employed -- Remote control - control of internal and external devices by a separate "black box" unit leading to reduced cost and easy upgrades for future devices -- Improved packaging and styling flexibility For vehicle buyers, the IECP features: -- Safety - reduces driver distraction - controls are within easier reach, closer together, and more integrated with steering wheel controls -- Design - highly flexible customized design including color matching to the interior, back lighting, and jeweled surfaces , as well as providing superior fit and finish -- External device interface - offers both direct and wireless (Bluetooth(R)(1) interface and control of nomadic devices including cell phones, MP3 players, Radio, Broadband internet access, and navigation devices

"Dealing with these devices in a safe and efficient manner with flexibility for the future is the aim of this new system," Peltola said.

TRW supplied its first generation IECP on the Chrysler Caravan and Town and Country and has been awarded business for its next-generation IECP for two European vehicle platforms.

"Our IECP technology roadmap calls for increasing levels of sophistication including capacitive touch sensor technology similar to that used in laptop touch pads, touchscreen displays, proximity sensing, and even the possibility of gesture recognition and advanced vision technology to assist in controlling vehicle functions," said Dan Mittelbrun, senior manager, product planning. "IECP technology represents a quantum leap forward for the art and science of vehicle interior design and control functions," Mittelbrun concluded.

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. 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.trw.com/ .

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains statements that are not statements of historical fact, but instead are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties which can cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 (our "Form 10-K"), and in our Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2008, such as: loss of market share by domestic North American vehicle manufacturers and resulting production cuts and restructuring initiatives, including bankruptcy actions, of our suppliers and customers; escalating pricing pressures from our customers; commodity inflationary pressures adversely affecting our profitability and supply base, including any resulting inability of our suppliers to perform as we expect; our dependence on our largest customers; product liability, warranty and recall claims and efforts by customers to alter terms and conditions concerning warranty and recall participation; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; work stoppages or other labor issues at our facilities or at the facilities of our customers or suppliers; our substantial debt and resulting vulnerability to an economic or industry downturn and to rising interest rates; cyclicality of automotive production and sales; risks associated with non-U.S. operations, including foreign exchange risks and economic uncertainty in some regions; adverse affects of environmental and safety regulations; assertions by or against us relating to intellectual property rights; the possibility that our largest shareholder's interests will conflict with ours; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in our Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revision to any of these forward-looking statements.

(1) Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.