Delphi and Ingersoll-Rand's Torrington Unit Form Global Steering Alliance

Autoparts Report, April 20, 2002

Delphi Corp., and the Torrington automotive unit of Ingersoll-Rand's Engineered Solutions business have agreed to jointly develop and market new and improved steering systems for light-duty vehicles worldwide. The annual global market for these products is estimated to be approximately $4.5 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, Delphi said Torrington will design and manufacture intermediate shafts for integration with steering columns produced by Delphi's Steering Systems Division. Part of Ingersoll-Rand's Engineered Solutions business, Torrington is a leading global supplier of steering components and engineered motion control solutions for the worldwide automotive industry.

Delphi said the alliance will build on the respective strengths of the two countries in steering product technology, geographic coverage and customer base. Each company will contribute engineering and manufacturing expertise in its specific competencies, while Delphi will be responsible for overall vehicle integration, Delphi said.

The overriding goal of both parties is to produce cost- effective, commercially competitive steering products that will expand their share in existing and developing world markets for passenger cars and light trucks, according to Delphi.

"Both Delphi and Torrington bring significant and specific strengths to this alliance," emphasized Dan Crishon, director of the Steering Columns Business for Delphi Steering Systems. "Synergizing these strengths will enhance our ability to satisfy our global vehicle manufacturing customers and the general driving public through improved value and an emphasis on increased vehicle safety and occupant protection."

"The collaboration between Delphi and Torrington will create a unique global source for robust steering technology," said John Begg, vice president of sales and marketing for the Torrington automotive unit. "Working together as two market leaders will expand our mutual ability to provide innovative solutions that will improve the performance and productivity of our customers' products."

Torrington said it will form a separate product group that will be dedicated to serving the needs of the alliance. In addition to combined operational efficiency and driver performance requirements, Torrington technology efforts will focus on meeting demanding safety standards while supporting the vehicle manufacturers' drive for continuing cost and productivity improvements at the assembly site, it said.

The steering column is also a point of interface for key vehicle electronic systems and impacts the vehicle's safety, handling, control, comfort, convenience, and even styling, Delphi said. For example, new vehicle electronic ride and handling systems require the integration of precise steering column feedback sensors. Enhanced comfort and convenience features seek personalization by applying reconfigurable controls on the steering wheel and column. New safety and anti-theft features are being driven by the desire to develop a keyless vehicle.