Cost-Optimized Airbag Control Unit Scalable for Different Customer and Market Requirements

FRANKFURT AM MAIN – November 6, 2008: For the rapidly developing automobile markets in Asia and Eastern Europe in particular, the Chassis & Safety Division of the international automotive supplier Continental has developed a groundbreaking technology platform based on a modular structure for airbag control, named SPEED (Safety Platform for Efficient & Economical Design), that meets the highest safety standards in each of its three configuration levels. “The particular challenge lies in the fact that these markets are very cost-sensitive. But being reasonably priced cannot under any circumstances come at the expense of safety or long-term quality,” says Burkhard Ortmann, head of the Passive Safety segment. “With this in mind, low-cost products always presuppose high-tech development know-how in advance. Due to their scalability, they can be adjusted flexibly to the various requirements of vehicle manufacturers and to different market requirements.”

Modular structure: efficient, flexible, and cost-optimized
The automotive markets around the world vary considerably: While vehicles for Western European or North American buyers are equipped with a large number of airbags, the safety equipment in the emerging economies in Asia, for instance, is often limited to the driver’s airbag. With SPEED, Continental has developed an airbag control unit that is based on a modular structure and can be adjusted easily to the wishes of car manufacturers. The three-level concept covers the needs of all markets worldwide and allows carmakers to equip even entry-level models with a high-performance airbag system.

The plastic casing that houses the airbag control unit (ACU) can be equipped flexibly with various types of plug. This, in turn, makes it possible to adjust the electronics to the vehicle without any problem. The base variant, SPEED S, which is used in models including lower-cost compact cars, is designed to control front airbags, but optionally controls for side airbags can be installed in addition. The S module can control up to 14 components, such as airbags and seat belt tighteners. This means that SPEED offers a high level of flexibility, and with it, the ability to adjust the airbag control unit precisely to meet the manufacturer’s requirements while at the same time relying largely on identical technology, standardized interfaces, and components produced in large volumes. That not only offers cost advantages, but also short development times due to the rapid integration of the technology. The expanded levels of the platform, M and L, can control up to 30 components and can even incorporate rollover protection, in which the vehicle identifies the threat of rollover, as a basic expansion.

Affordable vehicles as a growth market: 70 percent growth in the next ten years
In the automotive sector, the low-cost vehicle segment is expected to see growth within the next decade – especially in the rising markets in Asia. Studies predict that by 2017, production of cars with prices of less than 10,000 euros each will rise from the current level of about 6.5 million pieces to around eleven million, with much of the increase taking place in India and China. That’s 70 percent growth. Considerable growth is also forecast for Eastern Europe and South America. “To meet this demand, our focus lies clearly on cost-optimized technology, not on high-end solutions,” Ortmann emphasized. “What people want is vehicles that are affordable, and yet safe and reliable.” Continental has aligned its strategies and products to these demands. “Our solution: We go into these markets directly and work locally to turn our comprehensive competence in vehicle technology into market-optimized components and systems.”

With targeted annual sales volume of 25 billion Euros for 2008, the Continental Corporation is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Today, the corporation employs approximately 146,500 people at nearly 200 locations in 36 countries.

As a worldwide leading technology and systems partner to the automotive industry, the Chassis & Safety Division of Continental AG integrates extensive know-how and leading-edge quality in the fields of active and passive driving safety, safety and chassis sensors, and chassis components. The Division achieves sales of more than € 5 billion (based on 2006 figures) with a workforce of more than 27,500 (2007). Chassis & Safety develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake and chassis control systems, sensors, driver assistance systems, airbag systems, occupant classification systems, washer systems, and electronic air suspension systems.