N.O....I have come across my notes taken at the SAE Congress a couple of months ago. I will put into bullet point format:
1. SMU had tested to date 15 installs, in 12 platforms.
2. Breed teamed with SMU for Fiat presentation.
3. Automaker can convert from curtain technology to ITS in about 6 months design time.
4. Autoliv promoted its own curtain to Mercedes, over the ITS.
5. TRW and Autoliv have their own patented sidewall technology, and want to promote it.
6. A Japanese Kieretsu is "working on" the ITTR...Not Tanaka.
7. SMU has a better mousetrap.....examine the old Breed history of twenty years ago regarding the original airbag sensors and ignitors. This will illuminate what is happening to SMU today.
These notes are from my discussions with SMU, Delphi, TRW, and Autoliv booth participants, in no particular order. There is a first tier "certification" process that has to be gone through for the ITS.....This takes a LONG time....several months, even when EVERYONE wants it. The Auto Makers will NOT accept any technology which has not been "certified" for use in their specific platform. Sometimes the first tier supplier gets to do the "certification", subject to review by the automaker's engineers. This takes time...maybe a few years. Autoliv REALLY cost us in this way.....at least two years.
The first mention in the press of the ITS and any BMW interest was back in 1993 or 1995. Its on DJNR, and can be verified.
I think we just have to relax and let our guys manage thru it. No point in yelling at them, when they are trying as hard as they know how.
Good time to get some stock. |
