Torricelli brake reduces stopping distance by up to 40%


- Autoliv showcases future safety solution for urban environments
(Stockholm, Sweden, June 11, 2015) – – – Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE: ALV and SSE:
ALIVsdb), is showcasing a totally new vacuum braking system – the Torricelli
brake – developed for significantly reducing stopping distance for Autonomous
Emergency Braking (AEB). Autoliv states the innovation could revolutionize
traffic safety in urban environments.

Tests have proven the so-called Torricelli brake – a vacuum induced plate below
a vehicle which sucks down into the track during emergency braking situation –
decreases braking distances with ~40 % in speeds up to 70 kph.

The technology, developed at Autoliv’s research plant in Vårgårda, Sweden., is
named after 17th century Italian physicist Evangelista Torricelli, known for
clinically accounting the vacuum and for inventing the barometer.

Many car accidents are caused by late braking with insufficient force. A driver
may brake too late for several reasons: He or she is distracted or inattentive;
visibility is poor or a pedestrian crosses the street without paying attention.
Therefore, several car manufacturers today offer Autonomous Emergency Braking
(AEB) systems. Autoliv’s revolutionary Torricelli Brake will radically enhance
the efficiency of AEB systems by dramatically reducing the braking distances.

Technically, the Torricelli brake is connected to the automatic breaking system,
which in turn is rigged to detect hazards ahead. The patented solution uses a
0.3 m2 vacuum plate below the vehicle that activates in merely 0.1 sec and
produces a downforce of 15 000 N – independently from the tire-to-track
friction.

This reduces stopping distances with up to ~40% on wet and dry asphalt, as well
as ice surfaces.

Autoliv has put a maximum speed limit for activating the system at 70 kph, due
to the effectiveness and force of the system. This in turn means that the
Torricelli brake will mainly be applicable in urban environments, where for
instance inattentive children and cyclists could be avoided.

 “Even if there are several steps ahead before the Torricelli brake can be put
into full-scale production, this is undoubtedly an example of how future
innovations can revolutionize traffic safety and save more lives, in particular
in urban environments,” says Ola Boström, head of Autoliv Research.

“The main hindrance for car manufacturer implementation of the Torricelli brake
is simply that it is too efficient. In order to complement existing safety
equipment, other safety details such as belt tighteners also need to be updated
– due to the major braking force of the Torricelli brake system”, add Ola.

“I don´t want to speculate on whether the industry is ready to embrace the
Torricelli brake, but so far we have showcased the system for a small number of
manufacturers and we have gained substantial interest with this latest
innovation. A reason pointing towards a short term, rather than long term,
industry adaption is that car manufacturers today increasingly compete and gain
market share based on the qualities of their safety systems,” Ola finishes.

Inquiries:

Thomas Jönsson, Group Vice President Communications. Tel +46 (0)8 58 72 06 27

Ola Boström, Senior Director Autoliv Research. Tel +46 (0)733 61 43 42
About Autoliv

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 more than 60,000 employees in 28 countries. In addition, the Company has
ten technical centers in nine countries around the world, with 21 test tracks,
more than any other automotive safety supplier.Sales in 2014 amounted to US $9.2
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
(ALIV sdb). For more information about Autoliv, please visit our company website
at www.autoliv.com.

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