Chevy Malibu to Debut Delphi's Electric Power Steering in North America

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    TROY, Mich., Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors' 2004 Chevy Malibu
 will be the first vehicle in North America to offer Delphi's E*STEER(TM)
 system.  E*STEER is an electric power steering system that provides steering
 assistance at low speeds and maintains the desired taut, controlled
 responsiveness at high speeds.  E*STEER offers a new power steering
 alternative that's simpler, cleaner, and more efficient.  When compared to
 traditional power steering systems, E*STEER helps improve fuel economy by up
 to 4 percent.
     (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020315/DEF002LOGO
              http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030110/DEF001 )
     Delphi will begin U.S.-based E*STEER(TM) production in June 2003, in a
 55,000-square-foot brownfield redevelopment manufacturing location in Buena
 Vista Township, Michigan.
     Traditional hydraulic power steering systems continuously drain energy for
 the power assist from the engine.  A belt and pulley drive a mechanical pump
 that generates hydraulic pressure and sends the hydraulic fluid to the
 steering gear valve assembly.  The valve then directs available pump pressure
 to either side of the steering rack piston to provide assist.
     "Delphi's E*STEER(TM) offers another step in our steering technology
 pipeline and brings simplicity, efficiency and environmental consciousness to
 the steering market," said Robert J. Remenar, president, Delphi Steering
 Systems.  "There is no pump, hoses, hydraulic fluids, or belt and pulley on
 the engine.  In fact, the system is completely independent of the engine, and
 can even operate with the engine off.  After our success with this technology
 in Europe, we're excited to bring it to the U.S. market.  Chevrolet is clearly
 leading the mid-size segment by bringing this advanced technology to domestic
 consumers."
     E*STEER uses information from the vehicle's electronic speed sensor and
 other sensors on the steering shaft that measures driver torque and steering
 wheel position.  These and other system inputs are continuously fed into the
 E*STEER electronic control module.
     The control module analyzes the data at a rate of 500 times per second,
 and using intricate control algorithms, determines the direction and amount of
 steering assist needed.  The controller then sends a command to the variable
 speed, brushless motor, which drives a gear mechanism to provide the required
 steering assist.
     The result is an "active" system that continuously adapts to offer the
 optimal steering assist at all speeds and conditions giving the driver more
 steering assistance for easy turning at slow speeds and parking and less
 assist for tight responsiveness at higher speeds.
     E*STEER provides General Motors with the broadest range of tuning ever
 available without compromises, and the ability to customize the feel for each
 vehicle program.
     Additional benefits include:
     *  Safety - Even with the engine off, E*STEER's motor runs on battery
 power.  If the system loses power, E*STEER automatically returns to manual
 steering.
     *  Assisted return-to-center - In a traditional steering system, when the
 steering wheel is turned and then released, the driver typically must help it
 back to center.  E*STEER uses a patented motorized assistance to automatically
 bring the steering wheel back to center.  This feature helps give the driver
 greater vehicle control.
     *  Active Damping - E*STEER uses control algorithms (mathematical
 formulas) to eliminate possible overshoot, going beyond center, when the
 steering wheel returns to center.  Active damping helps give the driver
 greater vehicle control by returning to center more quickly and dependably.
 
     "E*STEER provides significant value to the end consumer including helping
 provide improved fuel economy, enhanced acceleration, added safety, and
 environmental compatibility," said Remenar.  "In addition, E*STEER offers high
 performance with variable-effort steering, assisted return-to-center and
 active damping."
     Delphi's E*STEER Electric Power Steering technology won a 1999 Automotive
 News/Ernst & Young PACE Award.  Delphi has produced more than 2 million units.
     For more information about Delphi and its operating subsidiaries, visit
 Delphi's Virtual Press Room at www.delphi.com/media .
 
     Forward Looking Statements
     All statements contained or incorporated in this press release which
 address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or
 anticipate may occur in the future (including statements relating to future
 sales or earnings expectations, volume growth and awarded sales contracts or
 statements expressing general optimism about future operating results) are
 forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
 Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements are made on the basis of
 management's current views and assumptions with respect to future events.
 Important factors, risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to
 differ from those expressed in our forward-looking statements are discussed in
 detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including
 our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.  In
 particular, the achievement of projected levels of revenue over a long-term
 supply contract will depend in part on vehicle production rates which may be
 affected by, among other things, changes in operations, financial condition or
 market share of our customer and changes in general economic conditions,
 changes in the automotive industry and changes in our ability to satisfy
 service, technology, quality and reliability requirements.  Delphi does not
 intend or assume any obligation to update any of these forward-looking
 statements.
 
 

SOURCE  Delphi