Continental Unveils Next Generation of Technologies for the 'Seeing' Car That 'Helps' Anticipate Potential Crashes

--Long-standing safety challenges are now being addressed in ways that will bring about dramatic reductions in crashes, injuries and deaths--

FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 15 -- Continental's Automotive Systems division debuted its newest technologies that help protect the driver and passengers from injury and crashes during the 61st International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. The equipment builds on the life-saving capabilities of Electronic Stability Control and could save thousands of lives a year.

Continental, first to introduce ESC to the mass market, unveiled it latest advancements in safety technologies that build on the success of Electronic Stability Control.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety predicted that equipping cars and SUVs with ESC could reduce by more than 50 percent the risk of involvement in single vehicle crashes, with the potential to save 7,000 lives a year.

Similarly, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that ESC is associated with a 30 percent reduction in fatal single vehicle crashes for passenger cars, and 63 percent for SUVs.

Continental sees an opportunity to save thousands of lives per year with these new advancements that integrate active and passive safety systems and help the car "anticipate" potential crashes.

Continental sees this as just a starting point for preventing crashes and avoiding injuries and fatalities, company engineers said. Now as other advancements are added to a vehicle's system there will be still more benefits and, the company expects all will work together to bring about stunning advances in personal safety and mobility by providing the vehicle with electronic "reflexes" that help the car "see" and "anticipate" danger for effective avoidance of crashes.

The company indicated that OEMs are looking for ways to further improve the safety and value of their vehicles. The company said it intends to help the manufacturers fulfill their product promises to consumers and meet regulatory needs.

The products that we are highlighting at the show will go a long way in that direction. Continental indicated that the revolutionary vehicle safety technology that networks the passive and active safety systems on a vehicle is ready for manufacturing after only two years after presenting the first prototype. Much of what Continental unveiled at the Frankfurt show -- including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality -- will enter the market this fall on new luxury vehicles.

In addition to the forward-looking radar of the first prototypes that integrated active and passive safety that achieved reduced stopping distances of six to 13 meters, Continental has incorporated new functions that monitor the side and rear traffic situations for even more safety. Continental's latest portfolio of driver assistance systems integrated with the passive safety systems now include full speed range Active Cruise Control with stop and go, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping and Lane Change support, and Active Distance warning.

Safety enhancements from Continental that consumers will be introduced to in the 2006 model year include:

  * Adaptive Cruise Control.  Uses radar sensors to control the following
    distance to the vehicles ahead and helps prevent tailgating.  It also
    includes stop-and-go functionality.
  * Lane Departure Warning/Lane Keep Support.  A camera system provides the
    driver with feedback when the vehicle unintentionally drifts into
    another lane.
  * Lane Change Support.  Enhances the Lane Departure Warning with steering
    assistance and monitors the traffic environment at the side and to the
    rear of the vehicle.
  * Enhanced Park Assist.  Uses Continental's Electronic Brake System to
    help drivers parallel park safely.  It also limits driving speed and
    stops at the end of the parking gap.
  * Keyless entry and driver authorization. Enables drivers to unlock their
    vehicle and start the engine without the key.
  * Anti-pinch technology.  Makes power windows safer by avoiding injuries
    to children.  Can also be adapted for power sliding doors, trunk lids
    and tailgates.
  * Electronic ignition and starter switch (EIS).  A central control unit,
    recognizes "its" driver when the driver approaches the vehicle.
  * Seat Control unit.  Holds individual settings, such as distance to the
    steering wheel, head support height, mirror position and seat settings.
  * Active Distance Support.  Supports the driver in the longitudinal
    guidance of a vehicle combining forward distance sensors and driver
    feedback.

The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In 2004 the corporation realized sales of euro 12.6 billion. At present it has a worldwide workforce of more than 81,000. As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry, the Automotive Systems division of Continental AG integrates extensive know-how in the fields of driving safety, powertrain and comfort. In 2004 the division achieved sales of approx. euro 5 billion with a workforce of more than 22,500. Automotive Systems incorporates Continental Teves and Continental Temic. Continental Teves develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and chassis control systems, as well as electronic air spring systems and sensors. Continental Temic is a specialist in chassis electronics, engine management and transmission control units, as well as electric drives and comfort electronics.