Continental Connects Telematics Update Detroit Attendees to Infotainment, Multimedia and Safety Content

Continental's Multi Media Platform (MMP), which includes the Microsoft Auto operating system, will be on display

DETROIT, May 21 -- During the eighth annual Telematics Update Detroit Conference, three executives from leading automotive supplier Continental will discuss how electronics and wireless technologies are transforming the cars we drive into the most reliable, high-tech electronics device consumers' own. Continental also will demonstrate its Multi Media Platform.

As a gold sponsor of the event, Continental will share its perspective on how technology has helped evolve the vehicle interior and enhance the driving experience through the safe presentation of information inside the car. Continental's Interior Division specializes in integrating technology into the car so it can connect people to the environment and to the content and information they need while on the road.

"One of the trends Continental is focused on is to help enable the transition of digital entertainment from the home and into the car. Another more complex trend our research and development team is investigating is combining active and passive safety systems with wireless technology to enable cars to talk with each other and the roads in an effort to reduce congestion and enhance vehicle safety," said Herbert Halamek, vice president of Sales and Portfolio for Continental's Connectivity Business Unit.

Consumer Electronics & Cars Unite

Telematics Update attendees will have an opportunity to experience Continental's next generation Multi Media Platform (MMP) inside the Microsoft Auto Business Unit's Booth. Two versions of the platform, a high and mid-tier solution, are available to automakers to integrate into a vehicle platform. The MMP basic hardware meets all the demands for the latest in-car infotainment systems. A high-end version will deliver a more powerful graphical image.

The product includes a car radio, CD/DVD player and navigation system and also offers additional features that wirelessly connect mobile phones and audio players. Because the Multi Media Platform, which utilizes Microsoft Auto software, is upgradeable it will help automakers future-proof their vehicles and bridge the development cycles between the automotive and consumer electronics industries.

Raising the Vehicle IQ

In the future, Continental's MMP could also provide updated information to other vehicle systems about the road ahead, road intersections, tight bends and topography in the form of an electronic horizon (eHorizon). The technology, when combined with other car-to-car and car-to-roadside applications, and active and passive vehicle safety systems, could provide the car with electronic reflexes to help people avoid critical driving situations.

About Continental

With targeted annual sales of more than euro 26.4 billion for 2008, the Continental Corporation is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Today, the corporation employs approximately 150,000 people at nearly 200 locations in 36 countries.

Supplying both, OEMs and the Aftermarket worldwide, the Interior Division of Continental AG develops and produces electronic systems which allow the information in a vehicle to be controlled and communicated according to the requirements of the driver and the driving situation. The Division achieves annual sales of more then euro 6 billion with a workforce of more than 33,000 employees. The range of products includes instruments clusters and multifunctional displays, control units, electronic car entry systems, tire information systems, climate control systems, radios, multimedia and navigation systems, telematic solutions as well as cockpit modules and systems. The Interior Division develops vehicle electronics enabling car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication, Internet access and the seamless integration of mobile devices (car-to-device). The focus on systems integration offers customers less complexity and ensures efficient and cost-effective solutions for the management of information in passenger cars as well as commercial and special vehicles.