First Ever Hybrid Ferrari Vehicle Launches With EPHS From TRW

LIVONIA (WWJ) -- The latest car from the house of the prancing pony -- the first-ever Ferrari hybrid -- has a Livonia connection.

TRW Automotive Holdings Group (NYSE: TRW) announced Tuesday that it was supply electrically powered hydraulic steering for Ferrari's first hybrid car.

TRW says the system offers fuel savings of up to 0.3 liters per 100 kilometers, a little under 1 mpg by United States reckoning, and also cuts carbon dioxide emissions, compared to traditional hydraulic power steering.

"The demand for more efficient cars continues to grow across all vehicle segments and our EPHS technology is well suited to meet this trend," said Giorgio Marsiaj, president of TRW Italy. "TRW's role as the official partner for technological innovation on the new 'LaFerrari' super car demonstrates our ability to support one of the most prestigious brands in the world. With more than 20 million systems in the field, our EPHS is a proven solution for both conventional and hybrid vehicle platforms."

TRW's EPHS features a compact Motor Pump Unit connected with a conventional rack and pinion power gear. As with other electric steering solutions, EPHS is independent of the combustion engine.

In addition to the fuel efficiency and comfort features offered by EPHS, the system can also offer advanced speed proportional steering technology. This flexible tuning capability allows TRW's EPHS system to adapt to different driving conditions, providing a comfortable setting for parking and city driving, while delivering a robust feel at higher speeds. There is also the option for EPHS to vary assist levels depending on the vehicle loading information provided by other vehicle subsystems.

"TRW is proud of being a Ferrari strategic partner and is committed to continue to jointly develop the newest technologies," Marsiaj said. "The launch of the EPHS system for 'LaFerrari' is another example of how TRW is able to support growing safety requirements for luxury as well as mass market vehicles across the globe."

TRW had 2012 sales of $16.4 billion, and operates in 25 countries, employing 65,000 people worldwide. More at www.trw.com.