TRW Launches Camera Technology In The United States; Makes Further Investments

LIVONIA, Mich., April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW) today announced that it has launched production of camera systems in the US and is investing in its electronics facility in Marshall, Illinois, to support its growing video camera business worldwide.

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TRW's Scalable video camera (S-Cam) family can provide a range of safety functions including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, headlight control, traffic sign recognition and pedestrian detection. When integrated with vehicle chassis systems, the S-Cam can provide advanced active driver assist (DAS) functions including lane keeping and lane centering (together with electric steering) and automatic emergency braking (together with radar and electronic stability control).  TRW's S-Cam range of cameras incorporate technology from Mobileye, the world leaders in automotive vision algorithms, and TRW's next generation camera, the S-Cam3, will provide another significant advance in processing power and safety and comfort functionality.

Peter Lake, executive vice president, sales and business development, commented: "In North America, in the coming five years, we expect to see a strong demand for camera systems – particularly in light of the high frequency of accidents caused by lane drift. According to 2011 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, 53% of road fatalities result from a roadway departure, and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data estimates that lane departure warning and lane keeping assist systems could save more than 7,500 lives in the USA each year.

"We are investing in our production sites – both in North America and in Europe, in support of a number of global business awards. We are installing new assembly cells at our Marshall plant as well as at our other camera facility in Peterlee in the UK.  We also continue to invest in research and development in this area, to maintain our position as a leader in this technology."

Approximately 25 additional staff members have been employed at the plant across management, manufacturing and assembly, with approximately 60 new positions being created at TRW's global electronics headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, to support the further development and application of camera technologies.

"The expansion of TRW's camera production in the US marks a significant milestone in the development of these exciting technologies," said Tolga Oal, vice president and general manager, TRW Global Electronics. "Automotive cameras have the potential to assist drivers in many ways from a safety, comfort and convenience standpoint.  The demand will not be limited to the luxury car segments, with TRW launching its affordable camera technology on popular mid-sized sedans and sport utilities over the next several years." 

TRW started production of its first generation camera in 2008 on the European Lancia Delta and launched its second generation camera (S-Cam) in 2011.  By late 2013 the S-Cam will be available on vehicles from five major OEM's in North America, Europe and Asia. The third generation will be launched on a number of 2016 model year applications.

About TRW

With 2012 sales of $16.4 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 25 countries and employs approximately 65,000 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.  

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains statements that are not statements of historical fact, but instead are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  All forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (our "Form 10-K"), such as: any developments related to antitrust investigations adversely affecting our financial condition, results, cash flows or reputation; economic conditions adversely affecting our business, results or the viability of our supply base; the unsuccessful implementation of our current expansion efforts adversely impacting our business or results; any shortage of supplies causing a production disruption for any customers or us; strengthening of the U.S. dollar and other foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacting our results; risks associated with non-U.S. operations, including economic and political uncertainty in some regions, adversely affecting our business, results or financial condition; any inability to protect our intellectual property rights adversely affecting our business or our competitive position; the loss of any of our largest customers materially adversely affecting us; commodity inflationary pressures adversely affecting our profitability or supply base; pricing pressures from our customers adversely affecting our profitability; costs of product liability, warranty and recall claims and efforts by customers to adversely alter contract terms and conditions concerning warranty and recall participation; costs  or adverse effects on our business, reputation and results from governmental regulations; costs or liabilities relating to environmental, health and safety regulations adversely affecting our results; work stoppages or other labor issues at our facilities or at the facilities of our customers or those in our supply chain adversely affecting our business results or financial condition; any disruption in our information technology systems adversely impacting our business and operations; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in our Form 10-K and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any update or revision to any of the forward-looking statements.      

SOURCE TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.