TRW helps Ford Focus gain Euro NCAP five-star rating

TRW Automotive GmbH says its occupant safety systems products, including 3D side airbag technology, contributed to the Euro NCAP five-star occupant protection rating achieved by the Ford Focus.

TRW supplied the entire restraint system, which includes driver and passenger airbags, a seat-integrated side airbag, curtain airbag, and front and rear seatbelt systems. The firm also handled systems integration, coordinating development of the restraint system and its interacting components such as the seat, instrument panel, headliner and steering column. Besides the occupant safety system, TRW supplied the electrically powered hydraulic steering system and lower ball joints for the Focus platform.

"As well as our work in tuning the components and testing the performance of the safety systems on the vehicle, we developed new technology for the platform including a new TRW 3D side airbag and next generations of our retractor and pretensioner systems,” reports TRW engineering project manager Thomas Hasbach. “The side airbag offers significant improvements in unfolding characteristics and greater cover and protection of the occupant's upper body."