Nissan Xterra Debuts in New York with Continental's Advanced Electronic Brake Systems

NEW YORK, April 8 -- Continental Teves, a unit of Continental AG, is supplying the 2005 Nissan Xterra, debuting at the New York International Auto Show, with electronic stability control equipment, marketed by Nissan as Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). Continental also will provide brake boosters and master cylinders, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction control system (TCS) to the Xterra.

"In recent studies from the University of Iowa, Europe and Japan, electronic stability control was shown to increase driver control and reduce single-vehicle crashes by 30-35 percent," said Bill Kozyra, president and CEO, Continental Teves North America. "Drivers of more than 30 different 2004 model year vehicles in North America are benefiting from Continental's active safety equipment, and we expect these numbers to grow on 2005 models."

Electronic stability control technology helps reduce the risk of serious crashes, including rollovers, by significantly improving vehicle stability in all three primary areas of vehicle performance: accelerating, cornering and braking. Using electrical sensors strategically placed throughout the vehicle, the system analyzes steering wheel activity, wheel speeds, acceleration and the vehicle's rotation about its vertical axis and continually analyzes this data to determine whether the actual course of the vehicle corresponds to the desired direction. If there is a discrepancy, the system brakes individual wheels and reduces engine torque to help correct for understeering and oversteering, and helps keep the vehicle on the road.

Continental also will supply Nissan with antilock brakes, traction control system and electronic stability control from its award-winning Morganton, N.C. plant; brake boosters and master cylinders will be manufactured at the company's brand new Las Colinas Mexico plant.

With 2003 sales of approximately $13 billion (US), Continental AG is a major supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical rubber products. Continental Automotive Systems' North American operation is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. For additional information, visit these websites: www.conti-online.com and www.contitevesna.com .