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Delphi’s Battery Disconnect Safety Device is Becoming Standard Equipment for Technology Leaders


WEBWIRE

Technology enhances safety, prevents damage to automobiles and could do the same for industrial machinery

November 10, 2006 - WUPPERTAL, Germany, — Delphi Corporation’s Battery Disconnect Safety Device (BDSD) is becoming standard equipment on vehicles produced by many German automakers known for their leadership in technology. This technology could also be used in hybrids, trains, boats and commercial vehicles.

Featuring the pyrotechnic safety switch technology on display at the 2006 Electronica show in Munich Nov. 14-17, BDSD could also be applied to industrial machines and high-voltage switches to protect both equipment operators and the machinery, and to high-voltage harnesses used in hybrid vehicles.

Delphi’s BDSD pyrotechnically disconnects high currents or voltages in less than one millisecond after an electric signal is triggered.

In automobiles, an electric signal from the airbag control unit triggers activation, severing the current that flows through the cable connecting the battery with the starter and alternator. High currents that flow through this cable while starting the vehicle prohibit the use of fuses. If this cable, the largest electrical cable in an automobile, is not protected, current that continues to flow through it following a vehicle crash poses the threat of high-temperature short circuits and arcing, which could lead to a fire.

In non-automotive applications, electric devices exclusive of airbag sensors trigger activation of the BDSD, severing high-voltage electrical connections and protecting against damage to equipment and injuries to workers caused by unchecked electrical currents and power surges.

While severing power between the battery and the starter and alternator in passenger vehicles following collisions is not new, Delphi’s BDSD is far more reliable than the systems involving electro mechanic relays and standard fuses that they replace. In many instances, Delphi’s BDSD is also less expensive, costing up to 20 percent less than competitors’ products, including mosfets, relays and battery safety clamps.

Delphi’s BDSD is also available with a safe engine restart option, an industry first that allows drivers to restart their vehicles following a collision if there are no electrical hazards. This feature enhances safety by enabling drivers to move their vehicles off the road, preventing the occurrence of a possible second collision.

The safe engine restart option incorporates a standard fuse that is mounted parallel to the BDSD. After the BDSD is triggered, severing the current, this fuse allows for a warm-engine restart providing the event that triggered the BDSD did not cause a short circuit. If the crash did result in a short circuit, this fuse blows immediately, preventing an unsafe restart.

While Delphi’s BDSD disconnects power from the vehicle battery to unfused cables, it does not sever power to safety functions such as door locks, hazard lights, interior lighting and automatic emergency call systems.

Delphi’s first BDSD was suitable for placement in low-temperature environments. The current version incorporates a sealed connector system and a high-temperature pyrotechnic load, which allows it to be mounted directly under the hood near the battery, in most cases using only two bolts. This makes for quick and easy replacement of a deployed BDSD.

Delphi’s BDSD is comprised of a small number of parts, all enclosed in a high-strength fiber-reinforced plastic. Because all moving parts are enclosed in the plastic housing, and because electrostatic discharge protection is built in, it is unlikely that an installer could trigger deployment of the pyrotechnic device. Even if activation occurs during installation, it would not cause injury or damage.

Delphi’s BDSD meets all common specifications in the automotive industry, is free of heavy metals and is available for immediate production.

Delphi’s next generation BDSD will likely be even smaller than the current version and is expected to be even more cost-effective.

For more information about Delphi Corp. visit http://www.delphi.com

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT

This press release, as well as other statements made by Delphi may contain forward-looking statements within the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that reflect, when made, the company’s current views with respect to current events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the company’s operations and business environment which may cause the actual results of the company to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the ability of the company to continue as a going concern; the ability of the company to operate pursuant to the terms of the debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing facility; the company’s ability to obtain court approval with respect to motions in the chapter 11 proceeding prosecuted by it from time to time; the ability of the company to develop, prosecute, confirm and consummate one or more plans of reorganization with respect to the Chapter 11 cases; risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the company to propose and confirm one or more plans of reorganization, for the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or to convert the cases to chapter 7 cases; the ability of the company to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors and service providers; the company’s ability to maintain contracts that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the Chapter 11 cases on the company’s liquidity or results of operations; the ability of the company to execute its business plans, including the transformation plan described in the Company’s March 31, 2006 press release, and to do so in a timely fashion; the ability of the company to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and associates; the ability of the company to avoid or continue to operate during a strike, or partial work stoppage or slow down by any of its unionized employees; and the ability of the company to attract and retain customers. Other risk factors are listed from time to time in the company’s United States Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including, but not limited to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Delphi disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events and/or otherwise.

Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the company’s various pre-petition liabilities, common stock and/or other equity securities. Additionally, no assurance can be given as to what values, if any, will be ascribed in the bankruptcy proceedings to each of these constituencies. A plan of reorganization could result in holders of Delphi’s common stock receiving no distribution on account of their interest and cancellation of their interests. Under certain conditions specified in the Bankruptcy Code, a plan of reorganization may be confirmed notwithstanding its rejection by an impaired class of creditors or equity holders and notwithstanding the fact that equity holders do not receive or retain property on account of their equity interests under the plan. In light of the foregoing and as stated in its October 8, 2005, press release announcing the filing of its Chapter 11 reorganization cases, the company considers the value of the common stock to be highly speculative and cautions equity holders that the stock may ultimately be determined to have no value. Accordingly, the company urges that appropriate caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in Delphi’s common stock or other equity interests or any claims relating to pre-petition liabilities.



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