28th
July 2010 - Electric Parking
Brake Forecasted to be on One in Five European Passenger Cars by 2015
TRW Automotive Holdings
Corp., the global leader in active and passive safety, anticipates
continued growth in its market leading Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
technology. EPB is forecasted to be standard on one in five of all
European-built vehicles by 2015(1). Projections also show that
approximately half of the mid to larger sized European passenger cars
will have EPB in this timeframe, while the technology will continue to
penetrate other regions.
The technology, first
launched by TRW in 2001, is proving popular with vehicle
manufacturers in Europe: many have already fit the
system on one or more models, these include: BMW's 5
Series, 6 Series Coupe, X3, and Z4; Ford Galaxy and
S-Max, Volvo S60, S80, V60, V70, XC 60, and XC70;
Renault Megane and Scenic; and Volkswagen Automotive
Group's Audi Q5, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, VW Tiguan, Sharan,
Model CC, Passat and Passat Coupe.
Josef Pickenhahn, vice
president, braking engineering commented: "At TRW we are
committed to making advanced safety technology
affordable for everyone - we are constantly evolving our
products to make them more efficient and more
accessible. The success of our EPB technology within the
mass vehicle market segment marks a significant step in
the right direction.
"The EPB system,
utilizing electrical cables and a control switch,
simplifies routing and allows for greater freedom of
design for vehicle interiors. Its smaller package
becomes even more attractive as vehicle manufacturers
continue to requisition vehicle space for new features
and options and it can significantly reduce weight when
compared to conventional park brake systems."
In addition to providing
parking brake functionality, EPB is a fully integral
part of the brake system with features such as dynamic
actuation and brake pad wear sensing technology. It also
offers enhanced quality and reliability when compared
with mechanical systems. Moreover, EPB significantly
enhances safety in emergency stop situations with full
four-wheel anti-lock functionality versus standard park
brake emergency braking, which only functions on the
rear axle.
The EPB functions as a
conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake
applications, and as an electric brake for parking and
emergency braking.
Pickenhahn concluded: "EPB
is part of TRW's ongoing commitment to enhance overall
brake system performance and driver convenience as it
enhances vehicle safety."
About TRW
With 2009 sales of $11.6
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
Source:
TRW Press Release