TRW Announces First Contract for Active Buckle Lifter Seat Belt Technology

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.

, the global leader in active and passive safety, today announced the first production contract for its Active Buckle Lifter (

) seat belt technology. The contract is with a major European vehicle manufacturer and will start production in 2013. The system will be launched on the rear seats, but is also available for front seat applications. TRW's ABL offers three main functions. It simplifies locating and fastening the belt by lifting the buckle into a convenient position once the passenger is seated; helps to reduce seat belt slack in dynamic driving situations; and by helping to reduce slack in critical driving situations, the ABL can contribute to reducing the possibility of out-of-position occupants. Uwe Class, senior engineering manager, active restraint systems, said: "The ABL can help drivers and passengers to fasten their seat belts easier by raising the buckle by up to 70mm – bringing it to a more convenient location if the buckle is difficult to access, for example due to a larger or higher center console on the front seats or deep buckle positions on the rear seats. It can also help those with mobility difficulties – minimising the twisting or leaning action required to locate the buckle. Once fastened, the buckle then returns to its normal position.