Zacks_Analysts' Blog : TRW Gears Up with New Brake - Analyst Blog

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (TRW) introduced its upgraded Electric Park Brake (EPB) system for front axles of a wide range of vehicles. The new development will enable users to enjoy a wide range of safety benefits and improve performance of the braking system in case of acute emergency.

The new application requires a simple vehicle assembly that does away shoe actuators, linkages, fixing devices, cables or even the handbrake lever, thereby reducing cost, space crunch and weight of the rear drum brake systems.

Rather a set of comfort and safety features can be inserted, including hill and drive away assist, electronically controlled deceleration (ECD) rollaway detection and premium stand still management to support 'stop and go' and 'auto hold' functions.

The general trend among vehicle manufacturers until recently has been to fit less expensive drum brakes and easily meet the performance specifications. Thus, they are highly reluctant in installing the costlier disk brakes to the rear axles of small cars, which is a pre-requisite for EPB. But the new product by TRW will reduce the car producers, extra hassle except for making small modifications to the front axle calipers.

The new product, which is scheduled to be launched in 2013, is expected to see substantial demand from vehicle owners, who have been looking for options to reduce their costs. In addition, increasing awareness and stringent safety rules by the government are also expected to boost demand for the product.

In 2010, TRW Automotive earned a profit of $844 million or $6.57 per share, improving significantly from $137 million or $1.26 per share in 2009. Sales also rose 24% to $14.38 billion driven by an increase in volume. The company expects full year 2011 sales in the range of $14.9 billion−$15.3 billion, including $3.9 billion for the first quarter of the year.

Based in Michigan, TRW Automotive Holdings is a leading manufacturer of advanced technology products and services for the automotive markets. Its products and services include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems, driver assistance, powertrain, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket products and services. Key competitors of TRW include Magna International Inc. (MGA), Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) and Navistar International Corp. (NAV).