Livonia, Michigan -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE:TRW) announced today the production launch of active and passive safety systems and components from its China operations for the new Audi A4 built at First Automotive Works (FAW) in Changchun, China.

The new Audi model features a number of TRW's advanced safety products manufactured in China. TRW FAWER Automobile Safety Systems Co., Ltd. (TFASS), TRW's Changchun joint venture with the FAW Group, supplies steering wheels, driver-side airbag modules and side-impact airbag modules. Active safety components for this model such as rear brake calipers and brake boosters are supplied from TRW Lucas Varity Langzhong Brake Co., Ltd. (LVLB) in Langfang, China.

The production contract builds on a long-standing partnership between TRW and FAW. TFASS has undergone significant expansion of its product portfolio since its establishment in 1997. Earlier this year, TRW began production of safety systems and components for the Audi A6, to which TFASS also supplies steering wheels and driver-side and curtain airbag modules.

TRW technology has contributed to the safety performance of Audi vehicles. For example, the A4 model features dual-stage airbag inflators for the driver side, one of TRW's milestone technologies gaining popularity in the Chinese market. As part of an adaptive, integrated restraint system, these inflators provide varying air bag inflation levels to match deployment to a wide range of variables, including crash severity, seat belt usage, occupant position and weight. The technology is available on the A6 model as well.

"We are pleased to continue our support of FAW's outstanding new vehicles with our expertise in automotive safety," said Alain Charlois, Vice President of Business Development and OSS Product Planning for TRW Asia-Pacific. "Through this production launch, TRW has once again demonstrated a steady commitment to localization of its advanced products in China."