Autoliv Begins Advanced Airbag Cushion Production in North America.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.--(AutomotiveWire)--Sept. 28, 1999--

A new manufacturing plant dedicated to the production of advanced airbag cushions, has been launched by Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE:ALV)(SSE:ALIV), the world leader in automotive safety systems.

The 100,000-square-foot Tilbury, Canada facility will house CAD-CAM-driven looms capable of producing complex, multi-layer fabric for woven airbag cushions. The operation is expected to supply North America automakers with two million cushions in 2000 and 3.5 million units in 2001.

"This advanced technology is the first of its kind in North America," notes Autoliv Canada President, Lars-Eric Florberger. "It will play a crucial role in enabling Autoliv to meet the growing demand for sophisticated next-generation adaptive occupant safety systems, an arena in which the company has established a clear leadership position."

The company's patented one-piece weaving (OPW) technology results in a single piece of material achieving what would otherwise require multiple pieces with many sewing operations. A state-of-the-art coating operation, laser-cutting department and final assembly department will augment the plant's proprietary weaving equipment. The facility will also support in-house design, engineering, testing and prototyping capabilities.

Tilbury's first manufacturing contract will supply Autoliv's innovative Inflatable Curtain (IC), a side-impact occupant-protection system. The Inflatable Curtain, which was introduced last year on Volvo, Mercedes, Toyota and Audi vehicles, will be available in North American cars early next year as a result of the new Tilbury facility's advanced technology.

Autoliv, Inc. develops and manufacturers automotive safety systems for all major manufacturers in the world. The company has 60 wholly owned subsidiaries and joint ventures with close to 22,000 employees in 27 vehicle-production countries. In addition, the company has eight technical centers around the world, including 19 test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier. Sales in 1998 totaled US $3.5 billion and net income US $185 million. The company's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:ALV), its Swedish Depositary Receipts on the Stockholm Stock Exchange (SSE:ALIV) and its stock options on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE:ALV). Autoliv can be found on the internet at http://www.autoliv.com.