CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The BFGoodrich Company (NYSE: GR) will demonstrate its aerospace-based safety innovations at the Society of Automotive Engineers 2001 World Congress in Detroit, March 5-8. The featured product will be the SmartBelt(TM) inflatable restraint system. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000314/CHTU013-a

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http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000427/CHTH007-e ) BFGoodrich and the Ford Motor Company are currently conducting research in an effort to bring this inflatable seatbelt to the automotive market. According to Larry Hansen, BFGoodrich's Director of Automotive Products, "The SmartBelt system is being developed to offer a very high level of protection for people in front and rear seats. It is also a major potential step forward in side impact head protection in convertibles." Demonstrations, which allow show goers to "sample" the product, will be conducted hourly in a retrofitted 2001 Mustang convertible in the BFGoodrich booth #2977.

BFGoodrich is working with all major automakers to bring advanced aerospace safety technology to the driving public. According to Jay Cross, Vice President and General Manager of BFGoodrich Passenger Restraint Systems "A SmartBelt restraint is as simple as buckling your seatbelt. In a frontal, side or rollover crash, the SmartBelt system inflates to pretension, hold, cushion and protect you." This technology is of particular interest for the use in convertibles where no other side impact protection is available.

With 2000 sales of $4.4 billion, The BFGoodrich Company (NYSE: GR) is a leading worldwide supplier of aerospace components, systems and services, as well as sealing and compressor systems and other engineered industrial products. BFGoodrich is included on Forbes magazine's Platinum List of America's best big companies and is ranked by Fortune magazine as one of the most admired aerospace companies. The company has its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, and employs 24,000 people worldwide.

Full press kit containing SmartBelt system Q&A and high res. image library available @ www.bfgsmartbelt.com.
SOURCE The BFGoodrich Company
Photo: NewsCom: http: //www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000314/CHTU013-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000427/CHTH007-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000427/CHTH007-b http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000427/CHTH007-c http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000427/CHTH007-d http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000427/CHTH007-e AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467
Company News On Call: http: //www.prnewswire.com/comp/138935.html or fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 138935
CONTACT: Gail K. Warner of The BFGoodrich Company, 704-423-7048
Web Site: http: //www.bfgsmartbelt.com
CAPTION: CHTH007-e GOODRICH CORPORATION SMARTBELT(TM) SYSTEM LOGO SmartBelt(TM). (PRNewsFoto)[PM] CHARLOTTE, NC USA 04/27/2000
CAPTION: CHTH007-a GOODRICH CORPORATION MICHAEL VECCHIO Michael T. Vecchio, safety consultant, The Goodrich Corporation. During his 32 years working in the automotive industry, he spent the last 18 years in the crash safety field. Vecchio is assisting Goodrich Corporation in the development of SmartBelt(TM) systems, inflatable restraint technology that could revolutionize the automotive safety industry. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] CHARLOTTE, NC USA 04/27/2000
CAPTION: CHTH007-b GOODRICH CORPORATION DON LEWIS Don Lewis, innovation consultant, The Goodrich Corporation. Don Lewis, the inventor of SmartBelt(TM) systems, holds more than 90 patents for new product development. During his 40-year career, Lewis' endeavors span many arenas including electronic sound cancellation, electronic diesel fuel injectors, electronic and pyrotechnic devices. Goodrich expects to have SmartBelt(TM) systems available to the public by 2002. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] CHARLOTTE, NC USA 04/27/2000
CAPTION: CHTH007-c GOODRICH CORPORATION SMARTBELT (TM) The Smartbelt(TM). When deployed, the SmartBelt(TM) system gently pushes an occupant back in their seat. In initial applications, SmartBelt(TM) systems will provide added protection in cars for backseat passengers. Pictured in seat is Tom Watson, marketing analyst, The Goodrich Corporation. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] CHARLOTTE, NC USA 04/27/2000
CAPTION: CHTH007-d GOODRICH CORPORATION TOM WATSON Tom Watson, marketing analyst of The Goodrich Corporation. The SmartBelt(TM) systems--seatbelts that think like airbags--are made of space-age materials that are light weight and comfortable. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] CHARLOTTE, NC USA 04/27/2000