New Ford Focus and C-Max with Continental Technology

FRANKFURT AM MAIN – December 13, 2010: Innovative technologies by international automotive supplier Continental figure prominently in the most recent generation of the all-new Ford Focus and the Ford C-MAX multi-activity vehicle (MAV). The latter shares a common platform with the Focus. This marks the first time that an emergency brake assist is available on a compact car. Continental was not only involved in the early design and development stages but will also be represented with production facilities at major locations throughout the world. The global Ford Focus is being built in five plants on three different continents; since Continental is a major supplier of vehicle systems, the company will also manufacture in the same regions.

Emergency brake assist, camera-based assistance systems and an entire braking system

The all-new Ford Focus is making its debut featuring a variety of advanced driver assistance systems that have never been offered to such an extent. What’s more, the emergency brake assist, which automatically stops the vehicle if there is a danger of a rear-end collision at speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour, is appearing in a compact car for the first time. The Chassis & Safety Division provides the sensor technology for monitoring the immediate vicinity in front of the vehicle (short-range lidar sensor). Additional assistance systems available on the Focus are the lane departure warning, driver drowsiness warning, high beam control and traffic sign recognition. These systems work with a camera that surveys the area in front of the vehicle while reading roadway markings and traffic signs. Continental developed the camera system as well as the signal processor.

Continental has traditionally been strong in the area of braking technology. The braking system on the Focus and C-MAX from Continental includes front and rear calipers, brake booster, all brake hoses, wheel-speed sensors, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Additional features of the electronic safety and stability program include torque vectoring control, which distributes forces for greater stability and agility, a hill-start assist, and trailer stability control.

Convenient entry with PEPS

The Interior Division is Ford’s main partner for access control systems on the Focus and C-MAX. Continental has been mass-producing its Passive Entry & Passive Start (PEPS) since the late 1990s, while Ford was one of the world’s first manufacturers to include such systems in its compact cars. PEPS allows the driver to unlock the car simply by touching the door handle and to start the car at the push of a button, all without the need of a key. The system includes signal receivers and antennas for the authorization systems. The effort needed to mount the PEPS system has diminished thanks to improved (and also smaller) antennas. What’s more, PEPS’s quicker reaction times enhance driver convenience. Continental also provides conventional keys incorporating remote control and multi-channel technology, providing better protection against interference and door control modules on both models as well.

Engine-control devices, software, sensors, and injection systems

Products from Continental’s Powertrain Division figure prominently in the all-new Ford Focus. Among them are injection systems for 1.6 liter diesel engines, consisting of a high-pressure pump, piezo injectors, and sensors. Engine-Control Units (ECU) and software developed and manufactured by Continental regulate both gasoline and diesel engines. Still other components that Continental supplies for the Focus and C-MAX are engine knock sensors, cam and crank position sensors, and electric throttle valves for diesel engines.

Tires, hoses, and foil for vehicle interior

ContiTech contributed charge air hoses, cooling water hoses, and diaphragms for fuel management to the all-new Ford Focus. Axle boots and steering gaiters round out the picture. Yorn® PVC expanded vinyl by Continental´s subsidiary Benecke-Kaliko covers parts of the interior of the C-MAX. Continental’s tire division contributes a major share of the original equipment on the Ford Focus in the form of ContiPremiumContact 2 and ContiSportContact 3 tires. The same applies to the ultra sporty RS version and the Ford C-MAX. For vehicles that do not come equipped with a Continental spare tire, the ContiMobilityKit repair set is on board.