The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Continental Launches National Education Tour to Prevent Auto Crashes

Acting NTSB Chair, IIHS Laud Effort to Better Inform Consumers

WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Continental Automotive Systems today showcased its new Safely There mobile exhibit, the latest in its multi-million dollar commitment to educate consumers about the new technology-based motor vehicle safety equipment designed to make driving safer and more enjoyable.

The company's newly-refurbished tractor-trailer will travel the country, visiting major cities and other venues to make the public aware of what is available so they can make more informed decisions when purchasing a new vehicle.

Speaking at a news conference held in conjunction with SAE's Government/Industry Conference and safety exposition in Washington, DC, Continental President and CEO Bill Kozyra said, "We are in the business of designing and producing products that prevent crashes and save lives. Educating consumers about why they are important and how they work are fundamental to what we do."

"New vehicles today offer a daunting array of safety and other technology. An educated consumer is the best new vehicle customer," Kozyra said.

He was joined by Mark Rosenker, Acting Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Russ Rader, Director of Media Relations for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both organizations have led in urging more attention to preventing motor vehicle crashes from occurring, rather than focusing solely on occupant protection after a crash occurs.

"We all agree we need both approaches," Kozyra emphasized. "The exciting news is that we have the technology to revolutionize the driving experience by preventing many crashes from occurring, while also optimizing protection for occupants in those that are unavoidable."

Safely There contains a Disney-like simulator that enables groups of people to have a realistic driving experience with various new crash prevention features. The truck also has a "reality theater" and interactive exhibits where visitors can learn about such topics as staying in their lane, safely changing lanes, and detecting blind spots.

"The truck makes believers out of all who experience it. It will tour major cities throughout the country to demonstrate the value of available safety technology," Kozyra said. It will also carry National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) messages about the importance of safety belt use and not driving while impaired.

"Linking crash prevention and occupant protection systems by means of electronics is ushering in a whole new safety landscape for motor vehicle travel. Educating the public about all that's happening is an important part of the picture," Kozyra added.

He explained that Continental's Active Passive Integration Approach (APIA) car was among the test vehicles available for reporters, regulators and safety groups to drive at the SAE event. It's equipped with the latest electronic safety technologies, including alerting drivers about lane departures (a significant cause of crashes), and interfaces with occupant protection systems, such as air bags and safety belts.

A researcher from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) also participated in the news conference, unveiling compelling new research presented that day to the SAE conference indicating that Electronic Stability Control (ESC) -- a technology that helps prevent rollovers and other single vehicle crashes-may be the most important auto safety advance in this generation.

John Woodrooffe, UMTRI's head of transportation safety analysis, used NHTSA fatal and injury data to document these remarkable safety benefits of ESC in preventing loss of control crashes:

  Passenger Cars with ESC

  * 40 percent reduction on dry roads
  * 75 percent reduction on wet roads

  SUVs with ESC

  * 53 percent reduction on dry roads
  * 88 percent reduction on wet roads

He explained that middle-aged passenger car drivers, and older drivers of SUVs tended to benefit the most from ESC, an important factor as the U.S. driving population increasingly includes older drivers.

Kozyra said the UMTRI research on ESC is arguably the most exhaustive ever done. "In a word, the benefit of ESC is huge."

He noted that auto manufacturers were quick to see the benefits of ESC once preliminary studies by NHTSA and IIHS found evidence of effectiveness. They are now rushing to equip their vehicles with ESC, and about 50 percent of all new models now offer it standard or an option, increasing to 70 percent in the 2007 model year. NHTSA is in rulemaking deciding whether to require it for all vehicles.

"It's truly 'don't leave home without it' safety equipment," he said.

Last month, parent company Continental AG announced an agreement to acquire the automotive electronics business of Motorola, Inc., expanding Continental's resources for developing intelligent vehicle systems for safety electronics, body electronics, powertrain and telematics.

As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry, the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG integrates extensive know-how and uncompromising quality in the fields of driving safety, powertrain and comfort. In 2005 the Division achieved sales of approx. euro 5.2 billion with a workforce of more than 24,000. Continental Automotive Systems develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and chassis control systems, electronic air suspension systems, sensors, engine management and transmission control systems, hybrid drives, cooling fan modules as well as body and security electronics.

In 2006 Continental Automotive Systems celebrates altogether 100 years of successful automotive technologies. The slogan "Forward Thinking" points to the future and the mission to keep pushing for new dimensions in safe mobility and the joy of driving cars.