Autoliv Introduces New Environmentally Friendly Steering Wheel Material

Autoliv Introduces New Environmentally Friendly Steering Wheel Material

(Stockholm, October 3, 2008) ---- Autoliv Inc. - the global leader in automotive
safety systems - has developed a new material for steering wheels that is more
environmentally friendly and offers several other advantages. The new patented
product will be introduced on the new 2009 Renault Mégane that will be shown at
the upcoming Paris Auto Show.

The new material replaces polyurethane as covering material on the steering
wheel rim and other parts of the steering wheel armature. It is a thermoplastic
substance that is injection molded onto the magnesium or steel structure of the
steering wheel.

The new material is more environmentally friendly since it is recyclable. In
addition, the process significantly reduces waste. For instance, there are no
edges that need to be peeled off as in the traditional process with polyurethane
material.

Since the need for deburring is eliminated and the size of the injection gate is
drastically reduced, the quality and the appearance of the steering wheel are
improved. The injection moulding process is also much faster than the hardening
process used for polyurethane.

In addition the car driver will appreciate the much improved touch-and-feel from
the new softer steering wheel.


Inquiries: 
Hugues Vendrand, Manager Global Steering Wheel Development +33 5 49 39 61 10
Henrik Kaar, Director Corporate Communications + 46 8 587 20 614


Autoliv Inc., the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, develops and
manufactures automotive safety systems for all major automotive manufacturers in
the world. Together with its joint ventures, Autoliv has more than 80 facilities
with approximately 43,000 employees in 32 vehicle-producing countries. In
addition, the Company has technical centers in eleven countries around the
world, with 21 test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier.
Sales in 2007 amounted to US $6.8 billion. The Company's shares are listed on
the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ALV) and its Swedish Depository Receipts on
the OMX Nordic Exchange in Stockholm (ALIVsdb).