Continental Supplies New York Show Stoppers

- Continental Equips Star Vehicles with Cutting-Edge Safety Systems -

NEW YORK, March 24 -- From proven safety innovations to sophisticated braking systems, many of the vehicles displayed at this year's New York International Auto Show are equipped with Continental's life-saving and advanced technologies. Continental technologies at the show include electronic stability control (ESC) and regenerative braking.

With the public now becoming aware of the life-saving value of ESC on automobiles, more and more models are being introduced with this life-saving technology as standard or optional equipment. Continental supplies ESC to more than 40 models in North America alone.

Continental's electronic stability control is an active safety system that identifies unstable driving situations quickly and applies automatic corrective action. It uses a combination of anti-lock brakes, traction control and active yaw control, applying braking pressure to individual wheels to help stabilize the vehicle and help keep the driver on the intended path.

Recent independent studies show that safety systems such as Continental's electronic stability control help save lives by helping drivers avoid accidents in the first place. Many major manufacturers are now making Continental's ESC system standard on their SUV line-ups and with many of their passenger cars also using this system they are giving their customers the best possible chance of avoiding an accident.

Among the important new models shown at this year's New York International Auto Show supplied with Continental equipment are the BMW 3-Series, Audi's A3 sedan, Mercedes Benz M-Class SUV, Dodge Charger and Magnum, Ford Fusion and Escape Hybrid, Jeep(R) Commander, Lincoln's Zephyr sedans and Volkswagen's Jetta.

* BMW 3-Series

For BMW's top selling all-new 3-Series vehicles, Continental provides ESC (known as DSC or Dynamic Stability Control at BMW), wheel speed sensors, brake boosters, front and rear calipers, brake hoses, tires and electronic modules from the extensive portfolio of Continental, to enhance the safety and performance of this highly acclaimed series.

* Audi A3 sedan

Audi has chosen to use Continental electronic stability control, anti- lock brakes and wheel speed sensors to enhance the new A3 sedan's safety characteristics. Continental will also provide brake boosters, front brake calipers and brake hoses for the A3 series.

* Mercedes M-Class

The 2006 Mercedes Benz M-Class, introduced seven years ago, is longer and wider than its predecessor with a redesigned body style. Continental supplies the electronic stability control system (known as ESP or Electronic Stability Program at Mercedes), wheel speed sensors, air suspension, brake booster, brake hoses and front and rear brake calipers and tires for Mercedes' new model.

* Dodge Charger

The 2006 Dodge Charger brings back the high-performance nostalgia of the 1960s, but with modern technology including Continental's traction control system, electronic stability control (know as ESP or Electronic Stability Program at Dodge), tires and wheel speed sensors.

* Dodge Magnum

Chrysler Group's new Magnum SRT8 model will pack a horsepower punch and performance handling. The Magnum uses Continental's traction control and electronic stability control systems (known as Electronic Stability Program or ESP at Dodge), and wheel speed sensors.

* Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr

Ford Motor Company is showing off its all-new mid-size Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr sedans this year, featuring Continental's anti-lock brake system, brake booster, wheel speed sensors, and tires.

* Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Continental worked closely with Ford Motor Company engineers to develop the sophisticated regenerative brake system on the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid that contributes to the vehicles' impressive environmental performance. This brake-by-wire technology balances brake torque and regenerative torque to slow or stop the vehicle and simultaneously recharge the nickel-metal hydride battery pack used to power the electric motor. The result is use of clean electric power, conserving fuel and reducing emissions. The vehicles also use Continental tires.

* Jeep Commander

The new Jeep Commander becomes the fifth Chrysler Group vehicle to feature Continental's ESC (known as Electronic Stability Program at the Chrysler Group). The Jeep Commander also comes equipped with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) to help prevent rollover crashes from occurring. ERM monitors when a driver is about to enter a potential rollover situation, detects the danger, and works to keep the vehicle on all four wheels. The Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee are among the new vehicles equipped with this life-saving technology.

* Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen is displaying its new Jetta models at New York this year. The Jetta safety package includes electronic stability control (known as ESP or Electronic Stability Program at VW) plus anti-lock brakes, traction control, brake booster, front calipers, hoses, wheel speed sensors and tires.

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. and is a leading global supplier of quality automotive systems that contribute to driver safety, comfort and peace-of-mind. For additional information, visit our media website http://www.contitevesna.com/index2.htm