Driving Future Mobility: Continental Showcases Key Technologies of the Future at IAA 2011
Under the slogan “Driving Future Mobility”, the automotive supplier Continental will be showcasing its products at the 64th IAA International Motor Show from September 15 to 25, 2011 (hall 5.1, booth A 08). Looking at automotive megatrends concerning safety, the environment, information and affordable cars as well as electromobility, Continental will offer a focused view on the technological future of individual mobility on its booth with more than 900 m2. Innovative driver assistance and brake systems, vehicle access, networking and operating concepts, drive technologies, sensors, interior materials and tires are just some of the innovations which will be on display. Presentations given by experts as well as activities and events for visitors will round off the company’s trade fair presence with in-depth, interactive elements.
When the public days get underway, Continental will also present itself as a potential employer for engineers, scientists and business persons who want to play a role in shaping individual, sustainable mobility of the future. Each year, the company takes on more than 1,500 university graduates and young professionals and offers a diverse range of career opportunities in the world of international business.
“Greater safety and efficiency, a high degree of networking and enhanced comfort are our contributions to the future of individual mobility, which will be characterized heavily by technological diversity and complexity,” explains Dr. Elmar Degenhart, Executive Board chairman of Continental, adding: “With our appearance at this year’s IAA Show, where we will be focusing on automotive megatrends, we want to demonstrate that we are very well equipped for this challenge with our wide product range, outstanding system expertise and excellent quality management.
Whether it is a combustion engine, hybrid drive, electric drive or fuel cell – we can provide high-quality products and system solutions for all current and future forms of individual mobility.”
In the “Safety” megatrend area of the trade fair booth, the focus is on driver assistance and brake systems. With the stereo camera, Continental is taking a new approach to detecting vehicle surroundings. Since the stereo camera has two “eyes”, it can measure the distance and size of potential obstacles – something a mono camera cannot do. With this, a new generation of – literally – forward-looking emergency brake assist can be developed that will not only prevent accidents but also reduce the severity of accidents. This is a key milestone for Continental’s “Vision Zero”.
The new electro-hydraulic brake from Continental integrates brake actuation, brake booster and the traction control system (ABS, ESC) in a compact and weight-saving brake module. Brake pressure can be reached much faster than is the case on a conventional hydraulic system. It thus fulfills the requirements of new driver assistance systems for accident prevention and pedestrian protection, and can be integrated in a regenerative brake system without any further measures. Both systems are being presented at the booth in the context of the ContiGuard® safety concept, which comprehensively integrates active and passive safety systems.
Products and solutions aimed at reducing CO2 emissions are being presented in the “Environment” megatrend area. For example, the newly developed fuel quality sensor helps to protect both the engine and the environment. The fuel injection system can be optimized by determining the fuel quality, among other things. The defining feature of the new turbocharger, which Continental will be supplying to a major U.S. manufacturer from September onward, is its optimized response behavior. Developed for modern downsizing gasoline engines, the turbocharger not only ensures high quality and low error rates, but also offers cost benefits thanks to its fully automatic assembly.
With the new ContiEcoContact 5, Continental will be presenting a tire at the IAA Show which combines short braking distances on wet and dry roads with low rolling resistance. Thanks to the 20% improvement in rolling resistance, a car fitted with the new ContiEcoContact 5 can be operated with around 3% less fuel than the same car with a standard tire.
Another innovation is TEPEO® foil for vehicle interiors, which is much lower in weight compared to standard PVC foils, helping to save as much as two kilograms weight per vehicle. What’s more, the lack of plasticizers ensures extremely low emissions and promotes a healthy climate inside the vehicle.
The “Information” megatrend area is devoted primarily to vehicle access, networking and operating concepts. For example, a cell phone equipped with near field communication technology (NFC) is transformed into a “virtual key” that can both open the vehicle door and start the engine once the driver has got into the car. Continental is also planning Internet services that allow customers to personalize and configure their vehicle using a cell phone – from one’s favorite radio station and preferred seat setting to the desired ambient lighting. This is particularly useful for drivers who share their vehicle with others. This function is of interest in particular for innovative mobility concepts such as car-sharing since greater possibilities for personalization also make the concept more attractive for the users.
When it comes to vehicle operation, Continental also offers us a glimpse into the not-too-distant future. The “Magic UI” (magic user interface) concept brings the information and entertainment worlds of home and office, portable devices and the car together in such an intelligent manner that the driver can use them easily, conveniently and safely at all times.
Products and solutions for the rapidly growing market for affordable cars are exhibited in the “Affordable Cars” area. Products such as the SPEED scalable airbag control unit, the EASY-U engine control unit and the basic function controller for various comfort functions were developed and produced locally in the emerging markets and take center stage here. These products feature minimalist, market-specific functions based on the latest technologies.
They were developed with the approach of “no compromises in quality, safety, sustainability or operating convenience”, and are tailored to customers and their regional needs.
One particular highlight under the theme of “Electromobility” is the first separately-excited electric motor. Just in time for the IAA, Continental will be starting mass production to equip the electric vehicle fleet of a European manufacturer. Production of the electric motor does not require any rare earths, which are relatively expensive and whose long-term availability experts see as critical. In addition, the electric motor operates with a high degree of efficiency.
With further innovations such as the eCar tire (a rolling-resistance-optimized tire developed specifically for electric vehicles), Continental demonstrates its expertise in developing products and systems for electric vehicles.
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