Continental Teves Chief Engineer Predicts Significant Increase of Electronic Vehicle Safety Systems

    MANCHESTER, N.H., March 29 Speaking today at the Tri-State
Safety Conference in Manchester, New Hampshire, Phil Headley, Chief Engineer
of Continental Teves, the brake and chassis unit of Continental AG, predicted
significant increases in utilization of electronic vehicle safety systems in
the near future.
    Systems such as four-wheel anti-lock brake systems (ABS) have proven their
worth to the driving public, and are now available on nearly all new cars and
light trucks.  Newer technology, such as the electronic stability program
(ESP), which provides enhanced vehicle control in over and under-steering
situations, is being met with swift acceptance by a public which is demanding
greater availability of safety technologies on vehicles.  Headley said sales
of Continental's ESP are expected to jump from 400,000 in 1999 to more than
4 million in 2003.  Drive Safer America!, Continental Teves' driver education
campaign, has helped drivers understand how to effectively use new
electronically enhanced safety technologies, a key to fostering acceptance and
appropriate use of these important contributions to vehicle safety.  Looking
to the future, Headley predicts continuing public acceptance and utilization
of even more advanced electronic safety systems that integrate chassis
functions, with commensurate increases in motoring safety worldwide.
    Continental Teves is a unit of Continental AG, Hanover, Germany.
Continental is a major supplier of tires, brakes and chassis systems to the
automotive industry, components that contribute to driving safety, comfort and
peace of mind.  For more information visit http://www.contionline.com or
http://www.drivesaferamerica.org .