Continental Highlights Active Vehicle Safety at SAE World Congress

- Cars of the Future will Recognize Circumstances that Require Responsive Action -

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 8 -- Continental, a leading automotive safety supplier, is participating in the 2004 SAE World Congress March 8-11 with a keynote presentation and a technical paper, both focused on furthering active vehicle safety in the automobile of the future.

Dr. Wolfgang Ziebart, deputy chairman of the Executive Board, Continental AG, will address attendees at the AVL Technology Theater on Tuesday, March 9 at 9:00 a.m. His keynote presentation, "Active Safety: Electronics Leading the Way to Smarter Vehicles," will discuss the car of the future that will link active and passive safety systems such as electronic stability control (ESC), active rollover protection (ARP), adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane departure systems and restraint systems, along with additional sensors that give the car electronic reflexes. An onboard computer will constantly assess relevant information related to the driver, the vehicle and its surroundings to help avoid crashes and minimize injuries.

"We are in the midst of a revolution in smart vehicle safety where the primary focus is assisting consumers in avoiding crashes," said Dr. Ziebart. "Thanks to microelectronics, many of these safety features are available today," he continued. "While it is widely accepted that vehicles are well- equipped to protect occupants after a crash, many consumers are not aware that there is safety equipment available now to help them avoid the crash altogether. With available features like electronic stability control, active rollover protection, adaptive cruise control, and driver-assist systems, we are providing safety components for the vehicles of the future -- vehicles with responsive capabilities. In addition, surveys indicate safety features, including electronic stability control, are among the highest desired by consumers."

James Remfrey, senior manager/system and product strategy for Continental, presented a technical paper on Continental's ESC II, which incorporates electric steering intervention, during the Anti-lock Braking/Traction Control Systems session on Monday, March 8.

The paper, "ESC II-ESC with Active Steering Intervention (Paper 2004-01- 0260)," discussed the functional integration of brakes, steering and suspension, and addressed the improved handling and safety features of ESC II.

With 2002 sales of approximately $12 billion (US), Continental Corporation is a major supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical rubber products. Continental Teves' North American operation is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. For additional information, visit these websites: www.conti-online.com and www.contitevesna.com .