2008 LA Auto Show - TRW Automotive Launches Rack Drive Electrically Powered Steering
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LIVONIA, Mich., November 19, 2008: TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. today announced the launch of its Electrically Powered Steering (EPS) Rack Drive system with Ford Motor Company for the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.
"Launching Rack Drive steering on Ford Motor Company's flagship passenger car models is a milestone for both companies," said Peter Lake, executive vice president, sales and business development for TRW Automotive. "Electric steering is among the technologies with the greatest potential to increase fuel efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and enable further integration with other electronically controlled systems to enhance safety and comfort."
Rack Drive steering technology, also referred to as 'EPS Belt Drive', brings the fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction benefits of an electric steering system to higher rack load vehicles as compared to TRW's current Column Drive EPS system, already launched on more than 30 vehicle models. As with all TRW electromechanical steering systems, the Rack Drive system only consumes noticeable power when steering assist is needed. The energy consumption of an EPS system is typically less than seven percent of a conventional hydraulic rack and pinion power steering system, thereby providing considerable fuel consumption benefits. CO2 emissions can also be reduced by up to 3.5%.
TRW's EPS Rack Drive system can provide premium performance across a wide range of vehicle platforms with rack assist forces of up to 12 kilonewtons (kN). Power assist is applied directly to the rack allowing for a smooth, responsive, low-inertia, low-friction steering system with direct steering feel.
The Rack Drive EPS system can be programmed with steering assist functions in line with vehicle manufacturer's requirements -- options include speed sensitive steering, positive and responsive on-center steering feel and the possibility to fine-tune the steering characteristics to the vehicle's target market. The system also offers the opportunity to integrate with other vehicle systems such as electronic or roll stability control and Driver Assist System (DAS) features. These features typically include safety related support functions but can also encompass comfort functions such as semi automated parallel parking.
"This has been a great opportunity to work closely with our Ford engineering counterparts to bring a state-of-the-art technology to the market, that provides such a significant customer value" said Frank Lubischer, vice president of engineering, TRW steering & suspension. "The product is delivered as a fully tested, ready-to-install steering system, eliminating conventional mechanical and hydraulic components such as the steering pump, pulley, belt, reservoir and hydraulic lines. Rack Drive EPS adds another exciting product to our safety and chassis-controls roadmap, that couldn't come at a better time, considering the dramatic shift in fuel-economy and safety demands in the industry."
