Grammer Electronic Active Headrests Add Safety On BMW 5 Series

TROY, Mich.--Oct. 1, 20036, 2003--Grammer AG-Automotive is supplying an electronically-activated head restraint system for the new BMW 5 series, which greatly reduces risk of cervical spine injuries.

In an accident, the system prevents the passenger's head from rebounding back onto the headrest by initiating an early forward movement of the headrest system.

During normal use, the headrest's position is at a normal distance from the back of the occupant's head, which offers the best comfort for the driver and passengers.

BMW has also selected Grammer's safety system for application in the 7 series model. It was featured at the BMW display at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The active head restraint system fits into any traditional headrest and seat model. It also can be easily integrated into an electrically adjustable headrest unit.

The electronically activated mechanism weighs only 650 grams. It is integrated into the upper part of the seat's backrest with a link to the vehicle's central electronic control system that, in case of an accident, records the impact of the collision. If a critical force is reached, the electronic system activates the active head restraint mechanism at an exactly defined point. This triggers an inflator unit, extending a piston that moves the headrest in the direction of the back of the occupant's head, reducing the space between the headrest and the head.

"The Grammer system allows BMW to offer a highly effective and active safety system, which we believe will become standard equipment in the higher-end vehicle segments," says Juergen Huertgen, Grammer's vice president, sales and marketing for the Americas.

The distortion of the cervical spine, also called "whiplash syndrome," is triggered by a rear-end collision when the impact of the colliding car effects a forward acceleration of the vehicle being hit.

The upper part of the passenger's body is held by the backrest portion of the seat which is able to cope with the forward movement. However, inertia forces the head backward until it is stopped immediately by the headrest.

In many cases, this is insufficient to prevent injury because the space between the headrest and the head is too great, or the adjustment of the headrest is too low. The motion created by the rebounding body and the simultaneous backward movement of the head effects an S-shaped bend of the neck.

Grammer AG is a world leader in the development and manufacture of innovative components and systems for automobile interiors. Wherever people use vehicles, Grammer, based in Amberg, Germany, sets the standard for security, comfort and ergonomics. Automotive is the company's largest division and supplies headrests, armrests, center consoles and integrated child booster seats to vehicle manufacturers and their tier 1 systems suppliers. The company's second division, Seating Systems, provides driver seats for heavy trucks and off-road vehicles (tractors, construction machinery, fork-lifts) as well as passenger seats for trains and buses. Grammer Seating Systems is active both as a first-time supplier and as a retrofitter.

As a global player, the Grammer Group operates with a strong customer focus that includes location of development and production facilities close to clients and relies on an international network of partners. In fiscal 2002, Grammer Group sales were $839.7 million, with approximately $120 million in North America. Grammer and its 22 consolidated companies employ more than 7,000 people, operating in 13 different countries worldwide.

Grammer has manufacturing facilities in Piedmont, S.C.; Queretaro and Puebla, Mexico, and a sales and engineering office in Troy, Michigan.

Additional information is available on the Internet at www.grammer.com.