TRW Automotive providing systems for new F-Super Duty

Two subsidiaries of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. are providing brake and occupant-safety systems for Ford Motor Co.'s 2005 model year F-Super Duty trucks.

TRW's Kelsey-Hayes Co. subsidiary is providing the total brake system, while the TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. subsidiary supplies the occupant-safety system for the full-sized truck models.

To develop the braking system -- which includes four-wheel disc brakes, rear hub assembly with drum-in-hat park brake, actuation and an advanced anti-lock brake system (ABS) -- TRW worked closely with Ford engineers, co-located some of its team to the automaker's headquarters and dedicated itself to developing a that would exceed Ford's expectations.

The TRW brakes deliver increased stopping power, more torque and enhanced pedal feel resulting from a system that has 5 percent larger components than its predecessor. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) was also reduced in rigorous field tests aimed at yielding a reliable and high performance system.

The F-Super Duty project is TRW's first Ford truck actuation project and the new models also feature TRW's industry-leading Collette 2 caliper design.

TRW Automotive also continues to supply the Ford Super Duty F-250 and F-350 models with its occupant restraint system, including seat belts, driver and passenger airbags and an air bag deactivation switch.