TRW Produces Ten Millionth Unit of Electric Park Brake Technology

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (Livonia, MI) is celebrating the production of its ten millionth Electric Parking Brake (EPB) motor-on-caliper unit at its plant in Koblenz, Germany. The plant is TRW's global technical center for braking systems where the breakthrough EPB technology was originally developed.

Josef Pickenhahn, vice president, braking engineering commented, "The production of our ten millionth EPB unit marks an important milestone and highlights the success of our electric parking brake product portfolio. We were first to market with our EPB system in 2002 which has since been launched on the Audi A4, A5, VW's Passat and Touran, the latest BMW Z4 and more."

The EPB system provides parking brake functionality as a fully integral part of the brake system, with dynamic actuation and brake pad wear sensing that reduces the degradation associated with mechanical systems. The system significantly enhances safety in emergency stops with full four-wheel anti-lock functionality, versus standard park brake emergency braking only on the rear axle.

The EPB system functions as a conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake applications and as an electric brake for parking and emergency braking. The system, with its electronic cable and control switches, 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 standard features and options.

With 2008 sales of $15.0 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. The company operates in 26 countries and employs approximately 60,000 people worldwide that manufacture 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.

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