Next Generation Automobile Alcohol Detection System to be Developed by Takata and TruTouch Technologies

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the World Health Organization, over 500,000 people die each year as a result of injuries involving alcohol worldwide. Alcohol was a factor in almost 13,000 deaths involving automobile accidents in the U.S. alone during 2008. New technological advancements make it possible to measure a potential driver's intoxication level by quickly analyzing light reflected from a person's skin. The new Takata-TruTouch Technologies alliance is designed to adapt and integrate this innovative technology for use in cars to combat drinking and driving, saving thousands of lives annually.

TK Holdings Inc., North American subsidiary of Takata Corporation, today announced the partnership, including an equity investment, to jointly develop with TruTouch Technologies a non-invasive alcohol detection product for the automotive industry.  Takata's automotive safety technology leadership and TruTouch Technologies biometric intoxication detection expertise will combine to jointly develop the next generation automotive solution to combat drunk driving and the operation of heavy machinery under the influence of alcohol. The partnership is a commitment to jointly develop products and partner under Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) and The Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS) Phase II RFP for the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"We have a rich history of developing automotive safety innovations designed to save lives," said Robert Fisher, TK Holdings Inc. executive vice president. "TruTouch has proven the capabilities and integrity of the light-based alcohol detection system, and together, we plan to integrate the user-friendly and cost-effective technology into automotive applications. This partnership will advance the commercialization of these systems, bringing us closer to our vision of a day of zero fatalities due to automotive accidents."

Dr. Richard D Gill, president and CEO of TruTouch, said, "We are delighted to announce this partnership, which recognizes our commitment to reducing the devastating costs caused by alcohol-related accidents and injuries. This partnership will help develop our intoxication detection systems into an automotive solution, joining our current products already enjoying success in the law enforcement, oil and drilling, military and various other transportation markets."

About TruTouch Technologies

TruTouch Technologies, Inc. develops, manufactures and sells patented noninvasive biometric alcohol testing systems into both existing and emerging alcohol testing markets. Inspired by the potential to place its passive, durable systems virtually anywhere, TruTouch's vision is to create a world where intoxication is routinely intercepted before it does harm.  

Current and future TruTouch applications include:

• Workplace Safety Systems
• Medical Diagnostic Systems
• Alcohol Point-Of-Sale Liability Reduction Systems
• Law Enforcement Systems
• Industrial Safety Systems
• Vehicle Safety Systems

www.trutouchtechnologies.com

About TK Holdings Inc.

TK Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of Takata Corporation, is one of the largest manufacturers of safety belts and airbag modules in the world. Its customers include nearly every automotive manufacturer and several Tier One suppliers. Its technologies feature a strong emphasis on safety restraint systems, air bags, safety electronics, interior trim, and special fabrics and textile materials. Takata's worldwide sales approach $5 billion annually, with the company operating 46 manufacturing locations in 17 countries, and 11 research and development locations in six countries. Takata employs more than 33,000 people globally, with more than 19,000 in North America.

www.takata.com

SOURCE Takata