Delphi Corp. will supply its new active energy absorbing steering columns to Ford for the 2005 Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car sedans.
This new business expands the steering column business already won by Delphi for the 2004 Ford F-150 truck series.
The steering column greatly reduces the impact of a crash on the upper body by absorbing up to 20% of the driver’s energy during a collision. Based on a variety of inputs including driver weight and size, seat belt usage, speed and crash severity, the column has the potential to adapt its energy absorbing settings for drivers of all sizes.
On Ford’s new 2005 full-size sedans, Delphi’s active energy absorbing device will use a pyrotechnic actuator to optimise the energy absorbed prior to a collision by responding to seat position and seat belt usage. The active energy absorbing steering column will act in conjunction with a dual-stage airbag as part of an integrated safety system to help protect drivers.
Along with the active energy absorbing steering column, Delphi is supplying Ford with a flexible coupling assembly, which provides a secure link between the steering column and the steering gear, as well as providing optimum noise and vibration isolation. The column itself will have fine increment tilt, allowing a wide range of tilt options to suit the needs of every driver.

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