Continental Automotive Systems Exhibits 'Forward Thinking'

Applying 100 Years of Experience to Engineer the Technologies for the Car of the Future

DETROIT, Oct. 13 -- During the Convergence 2006 tradeshow, being held October 16-18 at Cobo Center in Detroit, Continental AG's Automotive Systems Division is demonstrating how it is applying its 100 years of experience to develop next generation automotive safety and performance systems. These systems enhance vehicle efficiency and also provide drivers with an "invisible co-pilot" that will help them avoid crashes and mitigate injury.

During the show-opening "Blue Ribbon" panel discussion, held at 10:00 a.m. in the Riverside Ballroom on October 16, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, President of Continental Automotive Systems Division and member of the Executive Board, Continental AG will discuss how the division is working with its customers to connect automotive electronics, including: braking systems, cameras, radar sensors, telematics and other under-the-hood powertrain and body electronics to change the car of the future and enhance vehicle performance, comfort and safety systems.

"Smarter, more efficient vehicles are coming," said Neumann. "As a 'Forward Thinking' company, Continental Automotive Systems is focused on eight areas of growth including safety systems, environment-friendly driving and intelligent mobility. For instance, today our anti-lock braking systems enable drivers to remain in control when stopping in hazardous conditions; our electronic stability control systems keep drivers on the road and help prevent vehicles from rolling over, our modular hybrid system approach will enhance vehicle efficiency, while our telematics products send help to an accident scene if a crash proves unavoidable. In the future, convergence of these, and other, active and passive safety systems will help us warn drivers of an impending crash and provide the car with enough intelligence to take the appropriate corrective action to minimize the impact of a crash should it prove unavoidable."

Continental experts will be available in Booth #409, inside Cobo Center to discuss a range of products and technologies. Additionally, Continental experts will provide their perspectives during a variety of exciting technical sessions ranging from International Standards, Reinventing Safety Systems and Building a Strong Engineering Team in the Emerging Chinese Market.

To salute the increasing intelligence of vehicles, Continental is sponsoring the Machine Design Smart Car award. In the competition for the award, automakers' and suppliers' achievements in intelligent automotive technology were put to the test in a "Ride and Drive" event where consumers performed subjective evaluations of vehicles and their "intelligence quotient." These modern vehicles were equipped with advanced technological capabilities created to assist their drivers in making critical decisions regarding their operating safety, comfort and performance. Machine Design magazine will host a press conference at 3:00 p.m. in the Continental booth on October 17, bestowing awards on those vehicles identified in the "Ride and Drive" event as having benchmark intelligence. Jeff Klei, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Continental Automotive Systems, N.A., along with other Continental executives, will be available for interviews at the conclusion of the news conference.

Continental is also demonstrating how it is inspiring "Forward Thinking" by sponsoring high school students who aspire to develop the intelligent vehicles of the future. Continental is one of four corporate partners participating in the Convergence Education Foundations' Innovative Vehicle Design program. During the past 10 months, two Continental engineers have mentored approximately 25 high school students at the William D. Ford Technical Center, in Westland, Michigan. The engineers have provided students with guidance on the latest in automotive electronics and wireless technologies to help them design and build an innovative one-person, electric vehicle. The car will be on display in the main lobby of Cobo Center.

The Continental Corporation is a leading automotive supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In 2005 the corporation realized sales of EUR 13.8 billion. At present it has a worldwide workforce of 80,000.

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, embedded telematics and hands-free communication systems, powertrain and comfort. In 2005 the Division achieved sales of approx. EUR 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, body and security electronics and also is the industry leader of embedded telematics and communication systems in vehicles.

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.