TRW Continues Growth in Fuel Saving Electric Power Steering Technologies
Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE:TRW - News) announced further growth for its Electrically Assisted Steering (EAS) systems that help save fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In particular, TRW is winning new business and seeing a high level of interest from global vehicle manufacturers for its Belt Drive (also known as Rack Drive) Electrically Powered Steering (EPS) system that brings the fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction benefits of an electric system to larger vehicles with higher rack load steering system requirements reaching upwards to 15 kN in some applications.
Peter Lake, executive vice president of sales and business development at TRW, said: "We're continuously improving and expanding the application of electrically powered steering – whether that's by making it more affordable for emerging markets with a lower cost Column Drive variant, or working on future generations of Belt Drive for larger vehicles that can include the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) segment, drawing on experience gained over many years with electro-hydraulic solutions." 
In addition to significant North American launches over the past two years with Ford Motor Company, the system will launch in Europe for the first time with Ford this year and a second major global automotive manufacturer that will be fitting TRW's EPS Belt Drive systems to mid-size passenger cars beginning in 2012.
As with all TRW electromechanical steering systems, the Belt Drive system only consumes noticeable power when steering assist is needed. The energy consumption of an EPS system is typically less than seven percent of a conventional hydraulic rack and pinion power steering system. This equates to a fuel savings of 0.3 to 0.4 L/100km, with a corresponding reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 7-8g/km (up to 3.5 percent). The Belt Drive EPS system supports rack loads of up to 15 kN or higher depending on vehicle kinematics and dynamic requirements, while Column Drive systems are typically used on systems with output levels up to 85 Nm (some applications can take the output level to 100 Nm).
In addition to the fuel consumption and environmental benefits, electric steering is a technology enabler, and can be integrated with a variety of other electronically controlled systems to enhance safety and comfort. Examples include integration with electronic stability control to help reduce stopping distances on slick surfaces and with Driver Assist Systems to offer features such as Lane Keeping Assist that actively help drivers stay in their intended lane. Comfort functions such as semi automated parallel parking are also supported.
"TRW continues as a leader in the field of electric steering with more than 25 million units on world roadways," added Lake. "Electric steering systems eliminate the need for conventional mechanical and hydraulic components such as the steering pump, pulley, belt, reservoir and hydraulic lines and can be programmed with steering assist functions in line with vehicle manufacturer's requirements while offering the possibility to fine-tune the steering characteristics to the vehicle's target market."
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. TRW Automotive news is available on the internet at www.trw.com.
