ADVICS Develops an Electric Parking Brake for the LEXUS LS460 – A First for Domestic Cars (Oct. 30, 2006)

ADVICS Co., Ltd.

Aichi, Japan, October 30, 2006 -- ADVICS CO., LTD. has jointly developed the Electric Parking Brake (EPB), a first for domestic cars, with Toyota Motor Corporation for the LEXUS LS460 launched on September 19. The EPB offers considerable improvements in convenience and safety compared to the conventional parking brake.

The EPB is a system that automatically activates the parking brake through a simple switch operation. In addition, it adopts the shift-linked function that automatically actuates and releases the brake in conjunction with shifts, a world-first.

Unlike traditional manual and pedal operated brakes, the actuator (motor) is driven to work the parking brake by a finger-operated switch on the dashboard panel on the driver’s side. In the shift-linked function, the parking brake is actuated by selecting the auto mode and moving the shift lever to the “P” position and released by moving the shift lever out of the “P” position. In addition to enhanced convenience, this system prevents human errors such as forgetting to release the parking brake. By removing the need for a parking brake pedal, a wider foot space is provided for the driver.
As a global supplier of braking systems, ADVICS hopes to provide “safety” and “comfort” for customers through the actualization of new functions, impossible to create with single components, through the integration of the latest electronic technology.

1. Product name:	Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
2. Features:	The parking brake is electrically operated. This results in a reduction in control force and an expansion of the foot space due to the removal of the parking brake pedal. In addition, convenience and safety are greatly improved by the automatic actuation and release in conjunction with shift operation.

(Reference)

EPB Actuator

EPB Control Unit

Outline of ADVICS Co., Ltd.

Establishment:	July 30, 2001
Start of Business:	October 30, 2001
Business Activities:	Development and sales of brake systems and related components
Capital:	57.5 billion yen (as of March 31, 2006)
Net sales:	247 billion yen (fiscal year ended March 31, 2006)