Continental Advances Case for Active Safety Technology at Washington Auto Show Press Conference

Active Safety Technologies Built on Foundation of Electronic Stability Control Will Make Cars Safer and More Fun to Drive

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 20 -- Continental continued its technology leadership position today with a presentation -- showcasing the company's roadmap for total safety that will integrate active and passive safety equipment -- at a news conference held at the Washington Auto Show. The company announced that two leading automakers have commissioned Continental to undertake advanced design work on integrating various elements of its comprehensive safety solution, the Active Passive Integration Approach concept.

Joe Gaus, vice president, Continental Automotive Systems, talked about how electronics are leading the way to safer cars by allowing ongoing development of active safety systems that help drivers avoid crashes and mitigate injuries.

"The industry recognizes Continental's unique ability to deliver total safety solutions," Gaus asserted. "We led on Electronic Stability Control (ESC) by making the compelling case to the safety community, the health community and, importantly to our customers, that it could significantly reduce crashes, help prevent rollovers, and save lives. Three years ago, many thought that we were jousting at windmills. But our system was right for the times, there was remarkable data to back up its performance, and the orders are coming in to prove it. People know a good thing when they see it, or in this case drive it," he added.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported recently preliminary findings that ESC reduced single vehicle SUV crashes by 67 percent. The NHTSA study also found that ESC reduced single vehicle crashes in passenger cars by 35 percent. Evaluating fatal crashes only, NHTSA found ESC was associated with a 30 percent reduction for passenger cars and 65 percent for SUV's. Similarly, a research study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) concluded that ESC reduces fatal single vehicle crashes by about 56% and all single vehicle crashes by 41%. These figures mean that ESC could save 7,000 lives annually, more than airbags and safety belts.

"While others talk about the future, we are producing products that are in the cars and SUVs parked in your garage. A decade ago we saw the future and made a fundamental business decision to make the future happen. Ours is a total systems approach to vehicle safety that addresses current public policy needs, offers our customers a marketing advantage and provides drivers a much improved experience," Gaus said.

In his presentation, Gaus discussed what for now is being called the Active Passive Integration Approach (APIA) car. It features coordinated electronic reflexes to help drivers maintain control and avoid crashes or mitigate injuries and protect the occupants if a crash is inevitable. The idea is a comprehensive safety solution, rather than bolted on components, that envelops the driver and enhances the driving experience.

"The car features electronic reflexes that network both active and passive vehicle safety systems, and provides operating support to the driver by monitoring traffic situations, recognizing circumstances that require responsive action, and initiating staged hazard response strategies."

These new systems enrich the driving experience by making people safer and more comfortable. The safety advances that the 'smarter vehicles' bring are crash avoidance benefits. "Active and passive safety measures must be networked in order to reach the objective we all seek -- the avoidance of crashes, if possible, and when crashes are not avoidable, significant reduction of fatalities and injuries," said Gaus.

"We make products that make a difference in personal safety and driving enjoyment," said Gaus. "While technology is our passion, safety is our business. Motor vehicle safety has three dimensions: Avoidance, control and protection. We are in the business of all three and look to offer total safety solutions."

Continental Automotive Systems, headquartered in Frankfurt/Main Germany, is a unit of Continental AG, Hanover, Germany. With 2003 sales of approximately $13 billion (US), the Continental Corporation 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: http://www.conti-online.com/ and http://www.contitevesna.com/.