Autoliv Promontory Facility Receives Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing

Stockholm, Sweden (February 22, 2006) Autoliv Inc. – the worldwide leader in automotive safety – today announced that its Promontory Facility in Utah has received the 2006 Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing.

Dubbed the "Nobel Prize of Manufacturing" by Business Week magazine, the award, administered by Utah State University's College of Business, promotes world-class manufacturing and recognizes companies that achieve superior customer satisfaction and business results. The Promontory Facility becomes the fifth of Autoliv’s six facilities in Utah to receive this coveted prize. "Autoliv is honored to once again be recognized with this award for its effective implementation of the lean manufacturing philosophy," said Lars Westerberg, President and CEO of Autoliv, Inc. "These principles of continuous improvement have long been at the heart of the Autoliv Production System, providing a compass for future product, process and safety improvements.” The Autoliv Promontory Facility produces gas generant for use in manufacturing driver, passenger, side-impact and side-curtain airbags for Autoliv’s customers in North America, Europe and Asia. This facility produces more igniter material and gas generant annually than any other pyrotechnic facility in the world. Through the application of the Autoliv Production System, the facility has reduced process lead time by 69%, reduced customer ppm to zero, reduced inventory by 68%, reduced overhead by 38% and improved LMPU by 45%. During this same time, the Autoliv Promontory Facility has received numerous awards for outstanding safety and environmental practices. Some of those practices include developing a process to disassociate explosives back into their constituent raw materials. By using this process, the facility has not only recovered copper to sell on the open market, but has also eliminated over 150,000 lbs. of hazardous waste per year from being burned. Additionally, the Autoliv Promontory Facility has created a waste water treatment plant and was awarded recognition as the “Outstanding Treatment Plant in Utah”. Inquiries: Dave Puskedra, Plant Manager, Autoliv Promontory Facility - Tel. +1 (435) 471-3000 www.shingoprize.com