Alps Alpine Expands Compact Waterproof Detec-tor Switch Lineup

To Better Accommodate the Needs of Customers

Munich, Germany, March 16, 2021 – Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. has expanded its SPVQ8 Series lineup of compact switches for use in detecting the opening and closing of vehicle doors and has newly introduced the SPVQ8H Series. Alps Alpine’s popular SPVQ8 Series of compact detector switches are amongst the smallest in the industry and are available in extensive variety. We are now expanding the lineup further as part of ongoing efforts to accommodate broadening customer needs. Electrification of vehicles is progressing and the electronic components inside them need to be made even smaller and lighter. Door latches, too, require smaller detector switches in keeping with a general trend toward thinner, more compact structures. Because of a growing need for long-stroke switches to elevate design freedom for customers and enable diverse latch cam* operation, Alps Alpine is bolstering its existing SPVQ8 Series lineup of compact detector switches with the addition of actuator-included varieties. Actuator-included switches widen limits of detection (vertically and sideways) and enhance consistency. They also help to extend operating life by cushioning impact. For hood latches and side door latches, detector switch wire harnesses need to have high tensile strength and actuators must be durable. Alps Alpine is therefore launching the SPVQ8H Series, adding casings (two types available) to existing products to enhance robustness and improve mounting compatibility. Alps Alpine has been manufacturing and supplying detector switches for automotive use for more than 20 years and plans to gradually expand the scope of application beyond their principle use in door open/shut detection. For example, there is growing demand for application in detection of electric vehicle charger connection and smart rear-view mirror on/off detection. We remain committed to developing products that best match the needs of customers and the market, at the same time working through our business toward finding solutions to social issues. *Latch cam: A structure for pressing down the switch part of the latch Product Photos (see fig. "product photos") Features High detection reliability even when subjected to impacts or vibrations (see table "features") Principal Applications Open/shut detection for automotive electronics (e.g., side doors, trunks, hoods)   Specifications (see table "specifications")

Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. On January 1, 2019, Alps Electric Co., Ltd. and Alpine Electronics, Inc. integrated their businesses and started out afresh as Alps Alpine Co., Ltd with 42,289 employees. Alps Alpine will steadily bring about synergies by drawing on the two companies' advantages in core devices, system design and software development. The new company will endeavour to create its own unique value for not only the automotive market, but also mobile devices and consumer electronics, as well as new sectors such as energy, healthcare and industry. For more information please visit www.alpsalpine.com Alps Alpine Europe GmbH,  a subsidiary of Alps Alpine Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 2013 the European Head Office has been located in Munich and as such co-ordinates the Sales, Marketing and Product Engineering activities of our offices in Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Wolfsburg, Paris, Milton Keynes, Coventry, Gothenburg, Frolunda and Milan, as well as the production activities of our manufacturing site in Dortmund. Alps Electric Europe GmbH changed its name on 01.04.2020 to Alps Alpine Europe GmbH.