Continental Leads a Braking Revolution

    PONTIAC, Mich., July 16 As automotive technology continues
to evolve, electronics are playing a major role in developing systems that
contribute to driver safety, comfort and peace of mind.  This notion is
becoming most evident in the latest braking technology.
    Continental, one of the world leaders in the first application of
electronics into brake systems, ABS, is taking that technology leadership
further with innovative brake technology called Brake-by-Wire.
    Continental is currently developing two new systems that incorporate
different levels of electronics into braking to produce several advantages.
Through superior electronic brake engineering, Continental is moving very
quickly to advance the technical potential of conventional hydraulic brake
systems to a system that will function completely electrically.  As the
company realizes its vision of integrating electronics into complete chassis
system solutions, they are developing technologies that are cutting-edge, with
tremendous benefits to customers and most importantly consumers.
    Electro Hydraulic Brake (EHB) and Electro Mechanical Brake (EMB) are two
Continental Brake-by-Wire systems that represent the future of brake
technology today.  EHB is the first application and utilizes elements of
current hydraulic systems, while EMB is a dry system that will eliminate
hydraulic lines and brake fluid that traditional systems rely on.
    EHB uses an electronic actuation unit with pedal feel simulator and
sensors for detecting drivers' intentions.  The signal of this unit and other
sensors are transmitted by wire to an electronic control unit (ECU).  Together
with the hydraulic unit, the ECU applies the optimum brake pressure on the
conventional wheel brakes in the same way that current brakes do
hydraulically.
    EMB, conversely, generates the braking pressure in the brake calipers,
directly at the wheels, by means of electric motors controlled by an ECU.
This system also uses a pedal feel simulator and sensors for interpreting
drivers' intentions.  The ECU sends signals to each wheel where an
electromechanical motor applies the proper brake pressure.  This system
requires no hydraulic lines and therefore no brake fluid.  EHB and EMB both
optimize braking by applying pressure to wheels independently as needed, a
major advantage over traditional systems.
    Both systems also have several other advantages that are revolutionary in
design and safety.  EHB and EMB both realize shorter braking and stopping
distances, improved crash worthiness, reduced weight, size and number of
components for better packaging and easier assembly, elimination of pedal
vibration when ABS is activated, and the ability to interface with future
traffic guidance systems.
    Another critical benefit to the systems is that they integrate other
current Continental electronic technologies such as ABS, traction control, and
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).  These systems operate from the same ECU
and use the same electronic signals, eliminating the need to add additional
components on top of existing systems.
    The good news for consumers is that Continental's Brake-by-Wire will soon
be available on vehicles at dealerships.  Continental has been awarded a
contract with a major automaker to supply Brake-by-Wire on a 2003 model.
    Continental Teves, headquartered in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, is a unit of
Continental AG, Hanover, Germany.  With 2000 sales of U.S. $9.8 billion,
Continental AG is a world leader in the design, development and supply of
critical brake and chassis systems.  The company's North American headquarters
is located in Auburn Hills, Mich.  Please visit Continental on-line at
http://www.conti-online.com .