TRW Announces First Launch Of Belt Drive Electrically Powered Steering In China
LIVONIA -- Livonia-based TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW) has recently started production of its electrically powered steering belt drive system for the first time on a global vehicle platform launching in China.
The company is manufacturing the technology at its modern plant in Anting, China.
"Electric steering is a rapidly growing technology globally due to the many advantages it can provide," said Peter Lake, executive vice president for sales and business development at TRW. "Creating a regional production base for our customers will provide a cost effective source for these fuel-saving and emission reducing technologies. It will enable us to expand our EPS footprint for the production of global platforms and help to make it available to our broader customer base in China and Asia."
Over the last 18 months, TRW has installed equipment to produce and assemble the belt drive units at its Anting facility. For this platform, line capacity is expected to be in the range of 400,000 units annually by 2014.
TRW offers two electrically powered steering systems to cover the full vehicle platform range, which consume power only when steering assist is needed. The first is the column drive unit which is mounted on the steering column and the second is belt drive where the assist power is applied directly to the rack with a belt drive and ball nut mechanism. Significant fuel economy and CO2 emissions benefits can be realized with both systems when compared with traditional hydraulic power steering. The technology can deliver a fuel saving of 0.3 to 0.4 L/100km, with a corresponding reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 7-8g/km.
"We have already launched our column drive technology with both China domestic and international customers and are now investing heavily in capacity to introduce our latest innovation -- EPS belt drive -- to meet the needs of the China market," Lake said. "In addition to EPS, we are also adding local production capabilities for other advanced technologies such as airbag inflators, electric park brake and electronic stability control. TRW is creating the infrastructure to meet all market needs – from domestic vehicles to global platforms."
With 2012 sales of $16.4 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, the company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 25 countries and employs approximately 65,000 people worldwide. TRW 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.
More at www.trw.com.
