LIVONIA, MI – To support automakers in their pursuit of manufacturing vehicles that meet rising Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash-test ratings, TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. is combining advanced 'cognitive' technologies from its portfolio to help make vehicles safer, more fuel efficient, and environmentally friendly. 

TRW's safety systems combine active and passive safety technologies with electronic and sensing capabilities, such as a video camera technology integrated with electric power steering to provide guidance and haptic lane feedback to help keep drivers in their lane. It is these "smart" technologies that TRW describes as "cognitive safety systems." The integration of these intelligent technologies helps mitigate the impact of accidents and provide tangible safety benefits to drivers and passengers, while also helping automakers differentiate their vehicles. 

"TRW engineers work closely with our customers to develop cognitive safety technologies that facilitate fuel economy, reduce emissions, and meet safety regulations, such as NHTSA's proposed crash-test ratings," said Peter Lake, executive vice president of TRW. "We are committed to producing safety systems, such as our electronic stability control and lane departure warning systems, so that we are in line with vehicle manufacturers' needs and consumer demands. We aim to make vehicles smarter to help keep people safer." 

To help automakers meet their CO2 emissions goals, TRW offers a range of fuel-saving and hybrid-enabling technologies, including electrically powered steering, slip control boost — a fully integrated electronic stability control and brake actuation system — and lightweight components. While they are not intended exclusively for hybrid vehicles, these technologies can facilitate the transition from gasoline and diesel to hybrid-electric vehicles and other powertrains. 

To help consumers evaluate vehicle safety, NHTSA's upcoming ruling will combine front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings into a single rating of up to five stars. Under the new requirement, active safety technologies, such as electronic stability control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning systems — systems that TRW manufactures — will be listed on vehicle stickers to inform consumers whether the technologies are available on the vehicle as standard or optional equipment. 

 "We are pleased that this mandate will not only help make consumers aware of these active safety features that help mitigate accidents, but will also allow us to continue our commitment to helping customers with the challenges they face in today's automotive industry," Lake said.