It was created in 2002 when the aerospace company Northrop Grumman purchased TRW and sold its automotive division to Blackstone Group.

According to the final agreement, Blackstone owned 80.4% of the business, while Northrop Grumman acquired 19.6% of it.

According to Plant, that was a result of the industry recovery following the 2007-08 financial crisis and the company's venture into emerging markets.

[6] On September 15, 2014, it was announced that German car parts maker ZF Friedrichshafen would buy TRW Automotive for approximately $13.5 billion including debt.

[7][8] The takeover was completed on the 15th May 2015, and TRW Automotive now operates as part of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, as Division 'Active & Passive Safety Technology'.