LONDON, April 1 /PRNewswire/ --     Vehicle Security Systems (VSS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Automotive
Latch Systems (ALS), today launches the VSS Latch Mechanism, the most
significant and innovative technological advancement in door latch technology
over the past 30 years.

In the past 3 decades, latch mechanisms have evolved from primarily
mechanical components to electro-mechanical systems. Features like central
locking, double locking & Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) are now standard while
others like power closing and power release are positioned to follow suit.
With more features, latch mechanisms have become larger, heavier, more
complex and thus more costly.

The VSS Latch mechanism stands above any latch on the market today. Bench
marked against 15 of the latest latches, the VSS Latch offers a combination
of best in class features and performance coupled with considerably reduced
weight & size whilst still providing a significant cost advantage.

Best-In-Class Performance: the VSS latch surpasses every latch mechanism
in each key category (safety, footprint, weight, number of parts, panic
unlock/lock speed & opening release efforts - especially under high seal
loads.

Adrian Kettle, VSS director of programmes explains: 'In addition to the
outstanding safety features the VSS Latch offers electronic sensing and
control features for example glass drop/close, door release controls,
anti-pinch control, and in-latch PKE control. This, in itself, offers
significant additional cost savings for the vehicle OEM as features such as
PKE can be implemented without the usual sensors and associated wiring
commonly used in the door handles'.

Flexible Design: the Universal Latch employs Local Interconnect Network
(LIN) and Controller Area Network (CAN), buses allowing for limitless future
sensor/electronic additions without the need for major design overhaul.

Lower Cost Construction: the VSS latch uses just one motor to perform all
possible features and functions and thus creates an important advantage
relative to any electromechanical latch mechanism currently available.

The VSS latch technology is evidently years ahead of any latch available
on the market today. It is truly the most technologically advanced latch ever
seen.

Adrian Kettle concluded: 'VSS is shortly to launch further groundbreaking
products such as the Kick-Drive mechanism utilising innovative technology
with emphasis on energy reduction aimed at assisting the vehicle
manufacturers achieve their own efficiency targets'.

Notes to Editors:

About Vehicle Security Systems (VSS)
VSS offers patented technology to car manufacturers to increase safety,
comfort and energy efficiency combined with significant cost reduction. VSS
is an example of a dynamic company who is gaining global interest as their
products represent significant technological advancement. They have a number
of energy, weight and space efficient designs based on extensively patented
technology which is rapidly being adopted by many of the vehicle
manufacturers around the world.

For further information, please contact:
    Stephanie Bailey
    Hill & Knowlton
    Tel:+44(0)20-7413 3717
    E-mail: sbailey@hillandknowlton.com