New Adaptive Side Airbag from TRW

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (TRW - Analyst Report) showcased its adaptive side airbag technology at the 11th International Symposium & Exhibition on Sophisticated Car Occupant Safety Systems. The airbag, equipped with flexi adaptive vent, will offer better safety to the occupant in different collision situation.

TRW is planning to start production of the new side airbag system from 2013. The system features tether mechanism, which closes the vent during a severe crash. The new side airbag system also helps to maintain pressure in the airbag for a longer duration, reducing the severity of a crash. The latest adaptive side airbags also respond to the parameters such as the speed and force of the crash, thus providing enhanced protection to the occupants.

In the wake of the introduction of Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) ratings in 2015 with focus on rear seat safety, the company displayed a range of technologies and concepts, which will be enhancing the protection of the occupants in case of any collision. The new innovations includes Active Buckle Lifter (ABL) seat belt system, roof airbag and Dynamic Locking Tongue' (DLT) seat belt.

The ABL seat belt system helps the occupants to fasten their seat belts by raising the buckle, and remove some dynamic and critical driving situations. The production will start from 2013. The roof airbag will be produced from 2014. The company plans to enhance the safety of rear seat passengers with this technology. DLT seat belt will be used to reduce loads on the occupant's chest.

TRW reported an adjusted (excluding special items) earnings per share of $1.24 in the third quarter of 2012, down 9.5% from $1.37 in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year decline in earnings was due to higher effective tax rate. However, the results surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8 cents per share.

Revenues in the quarter edged up 1.3% to $3.96 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.90 billion. The increase was driven by higher demand for the company’s active and passive safety products, higher vehicle production in North America and improved global sales. This was partially offset by lower vehicle production in Europe and adverse currency translations effects.

Headquartered in Michigan, U.S., TRW Automotive is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of advanced technology products and services for the automotive markets. Together with continuous research and development, the company is well positioned to benefit from the changing demands of both established and emerging markets for advanced and affordable safety solutions. Its major customers include Ford Motor Co. (F - Analyst Report), General Motors Company (GM - Analyst Report) and Volkswagen AG (VLKAY).

Currently, TRW retains a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term Hold rating. We have a long-term (more than 6 months) Neutral recommendation on the stock.