Continental Teves Takes on Winter Driving

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 4 -- When the weather outside is frightful, Continental Teves gets down to business.

Continental Teves is one of the leading global suppliers of driver and vehicle control systems in the automotive industry, with products such as anti-lock brake systems (ABS), traction control, stability control systems and more.

These systems are mushrooming in their acceptance and use across the spectrum of today's vehicles, from small, compact cars, to full-sized SUVs.

During the winter months, when driving can be at its trickiest, Continental Teves technologies are providing greater safety, security and comfort to drivers and passengers.

The whole idea behind these technologies is to enable vehicle control in critical driving situations. Continental is the only supplier in the industry integrating a dynamic combination of tire, brake and suspension systems -- the three primary elements impacting overall chassis performance on a vehicle -- to provide synergistic solutions to vehicle control, especially on treacherous wintry roads.

``Continental is creating integrated transportation solutions that are tested in the harshest of winter conditions and proven every day by drivers around the world's snow belts,'' said Phil Headley, chief engineer, Advanced Technologies.

Continental Teves driving safety solutions include:

Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) - ABS systems are widely lauded for their ability to reliably prevent wheel lock when the brakes are fully applied, giving drivers extra control. Continental was one of the first to use microelectronics to regulate ABS, helping it become a more effective safety tool, while lowering its cost. Continental's ABS Plus anti-lock brake system offers extra security for drivers. It uses more powerful software to regulate the force being applied to the wheels during braking, thus improving the vehicle's tracking and maneuverability.

Traction Control Systems - Traction helps prevent a vehicle from becoming unstable when it begins to move or accelerate. If the TCS detects too much slippage in one or more driving wheels, it brakes the slipping wheel and, if necessary, reduces engine torque. This makes it possible to accelerate on icy roads and increases tracking stability.

Brake Assist - This system uses sensors in a panic-braking situation to measure how quickly the brake pedal is activated. Based on pedal speed, the system reliably detects whether drivers intend to apply full braking force. If so, Brake Assist immediately and automatically provides full brake pressure, yet instantly deactivates if drivers slightly reduce foot pressure on the brake pedal.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - ESP is an interactive, high-tech safety system that significantly improves vehicle stability in all driving situations, including braking. It can help the driver avoid potential accidents, and helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles even in critical situations. In the event a driver starts to lose control of the vehicle, ESP activates individual brakes and reduces the engine torque, if required, to help the driver maintain control.

``Even when driving a four-wheel drive SUV, winter road conditions can be largely unpredictable and downright dangerous,'' said Headley. ``Continental Teves is responding with technologies that promote a safer, more secure driving experience for both the driver and the passengers.''

Continental Teves, headquartered in Frankfurt/Main Germany, is a unit of Continental AG, Hanover, Germany. With 2001 sales of approximately $9.9 billion (US), Continental is a world leader in the design, development and supply of critical brake and chassis systems that contribute to driving safety and comfort. Continental Teves' North American component is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. For additional information, visit these websites: www.conti-online.com and www.contitevesna.com .