TRW Introduces Non-Rotating Driver Airbag Technology

ASCHAFFENBURG, Germany, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH, a subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , today unveiled its advanced asymmetrical airbag technology, incorporating a non-rotating driver airbag module with an airbag cushion specifically designed to fit the shape of individual vehicle interiors.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061207/DETH013 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010824/TRWLOGO )

This next-generation steering wheel system increases the protection potential during different crash configurations, particularly for vehicles with extreme angled windshields and/or A-pillars in oblique crashes. This advanced system also enhances a vehicle's comfort and design.

Mehran Khazami, European engineering director for driver airbags and steering wheel systems, explained: "New car designs and safety regulations have challenged vehicle manufacturers to rethink the shape of the driver's side airbag. A crash simulation, based on regulated industry tests, showed that TRW's asymmetrical airbag technology provides very impressive safety benefits."

In addition to the safety benefits, having a stationary steering module allows automotive designers to add more convenience and aesthetic features to the steering wheel system. The non-rotating driver airbag module can accommodate the use of multifunction switches that remain in the same location, even when the steering wheel is being turned. Additional design elements and parts of the instrument panel display can also be integrated into the steering wheel module.

In order to uncouple the rotation of the steering wheel from the driver airbag module, TRW has developed a system with a circumferential gear to keep the airbag module in a stationary position.

The system utilizes direct force transmission from the steering wheel spokes into the steering column. This improves steering feel by giving the driver less resistance when the wheel is turned. Both steering wheel and steering column will maintain the same center and number of rotations; this eliminates the need to synchronize the number of rotations between wheel and steering column.

TRW's asymmetrical airbag has been launched with a major European vehicle manufacturer.

About TRW

With 2005 sales of $12.6 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, employs approximately 63,000 people in 26 countries. 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 http://www.trwauto.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 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made in this release. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements are set forth in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 (the "10-K"), and our reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June 30 and September 29, 2006, and include: production cuts or restructuring by our major customers; work stoppages or other labor issues at the facilities of our customers or suppliers; non- performance by, or insolvency of, our suppliers and customers, which may be exacerbated by recent bankruptcies and other pressures within the automotive industry; the inability of our suppliers to deliver products at the scheduled rate and disruptions arising in connection therewith; interest rate risk arising from our variable rate indebtedness (which constitutes a majority of the company's indebtedness), especially in view of the current climate of rising interest rates; loss of market share by domestic vehicle manufacturers; efforts by our customers to consolidate their supply base; severe inflationary pressures impacting the market for commodities; escalating pricing pressures from our customers; our dependence on our largest customers; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; our substantial leverage; product liability and warranty and recall claims; limitations on flexibility in operating our business contained in our debt agreements; the possibility that our owners' interests will conflict with ours and other risks and uncertainties set forth under "Risk Factors" in the 10-K and in our other SEC filings. We do not intend or assume any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.