Continental Active Safety Products Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

New Mercedes S-Class Relies on Continental Safety Systems

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 6 -- The hottest new car debuting at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show this year, the Mercedes S-Class, is equipped with Continental's networked active and passive safety components including intelligent electronic brake and driver assist systems, advanced tire expertise and hose lines. The vehicle also features proven safety innovations such as anti-lock brakes, traction-control and electronic stability control (ESC). These features are rapidly becoming standard among many manufacturers' new vehicles, many with Continental's life-saving active safety technologies.

Distance control system

The driver assistance system for adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a significant advancement in the S-Class. ACC maintains the distance to the vehicle ahead and ensures the necessary safety interval. Once the driver sets the desired speed, everything else takes place almost automatically. When a vehicle appears ahead, ACC automatically reduces the speed.

Integrated distance sensors recognize the changes in distance to the vehicle ahead much faster than the driver. If a rear-end collision threatens, the activated ACC can apply the brakes quicker than the driver.

Advanced brake system

Continental's ESC MK25E5 brake control system uses four pressure sensors in addition to the master cylinder pressure sensor. The infinitely variable valves provide extremely sensitive brake pressures resulting in improved forward and side-to-side dynamics. This translates into shorter stopping distances and barely perceptible braking intervention and improved driving stability when maneuvering in hazardous situations.

The ESC system also has numerous added comfort and safety functions. These include a Hill Start Assist (automatic transmission) and automatic brake disc drying in wet weather. ABR Adaptive Brake, an electronic brake control system developed in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz for its new S-Class, implements a number of additional comfort functions.

The modular electronic stability control system includes the basic controller, anti-lock brake system (ABS), anti-slip control (ASC) and yaw rate controller (YRC). While ABS and ASC primarily improve the vehicle's forward dynamics, YRC controls its side-to-side dynamic response. In critical driving situations, ESC maintains the vehicle's stability or returns the vehicle to a stable condition within the range of physical possibilities through specific vehicle brake and engine management interventions.

Retractable Brake booster

In a front-end collision Continental's tandem master cylinder (TMC) brake booster design offers increased protection against leg injuries. In a crash, the active brake booster with brake assist function and TMC with a torque damper retract the entire actuation unit through a rotational movement.

Electric parking brake

The electric parking brake (EPB) releases and sets the parking brake. An especially convenient feature is the Comfort-P release function integrated in the EPB. When driving away, the brake releases automatically without any manual intervention.

More driving comfort

The electronic ignition and starter switch (EIS), a central control unit within the DaimlerChrysler key interlock system, recognizes its driver instantly when approaching the vehicle. The seat control unit (SIT) is seamlessly connected to this control. Individual settings such as distance to the steering wheel, head support height, mirror position seat settings and other data are stored and retrieved from the computer memory as needed. This system makes it possible to automatically reset a predetermined seating position after a change of drivers.

The trunk lid control in the S-Class makes it convenient to open and close the luggage compartment. In addition to manual operation, pressing a button via the remote key or the control switch in the driver's door opens the trunk lid automatically.

Another debut at the LA show in addition to the S-Class includes the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP, expected to hit dealers this summer, featuring Continental's anti-lock brakes.

The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In 2004, the corporation realized sales of euro 12.6 billion ($15.6 billion US). At present, it has a worldwide workforce of more than 81,000.

As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry, the Automotive Systems division of Continental AG integrates extensive know-how in the fields of driving safety, powertrain and comfort. In 2004, the division achieved sales of approx. euro 5 billion with a workforce of more than 22,500. Continental Automotive Systems' North American operation is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. For additional information, visit our media website http://www.contitevesna.com/index2.htm

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