Autoliv Announces Japanese Production of World's Smallest Dual-Stage Inflators

Nagoya, Japan (May 19, 2003) – Autoliv Inc., the world's largest automotive safety restraints supplier, announced the recent start of production for their newest dual-stage driver-side inflators at their Japanese plant in Taketoyo. These inflators have been produced in the U.S. since last year, but can now be supplied locally to Japanese manufacturers. Using advanced pyrotechnic materials and innovative assembly processes, Autoliv engineers have designed this dual-stage inflator to be the lightest, most compact dual-stage driver inflator in production today. Weighing less than 480 grams, this new inflator – named the ADPS-1.3A – will allow module makers to reduce the weight of their modules and provides for smaller packaging opportunities. These benefits are a result of the advanced pyrotechnics used in the inflator that provide low temperature gas to the airbag upon deployment. Cooler gas eliminates the necessity of using heat shields and coated fabrics to manage the high-temperature gases of most conventional inflators. In addition, the ADPS-1.3A meets the full range of performances required by automakers worldwide. The ADPS-1.3A is added to Autoliv's innovative line of first-to-market lightweight inflator products which includes the APPS4.2, the world's first disk-shaped passenger-side inflator for dual-stage applications. According to Brad Murray, President of Autoliv K.K., "Not only is this inflator the lightest passenger-side inflator in production, but its innovative disk-shaped design allows module makers, including Autoliv, to significantly reduce the overall package size for the module while meeting the stringent performance requirements of customer and government standards throughout the world." Currently manufactured in North America, Autoliv expects to begin producing the APPS4.2 in Japan next month. Autoliv Japan will manufacture both inflators at its Taketoyo inflator plant and plans to produce more than 200,000 driver-side ADPS1.3A's by year end, with deliveries for the inflator tripling next year. Worldwide, the inflator is expected to see sales of more than 1 million units for 8 major car manufacturers in 2003. Inquiries: Brad Murray, President, Autoliv K.K., Tel. +81 45-475-3503 Takayoshi Matsunaga, Director of Sales, Autoliv K.K., Tel. +81 45-475-6535 Photos: (for downloading click with the right mouse button on the illustration and "save target as".)

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