Press Release
ContiTech
Vibration Control
Ready For Series Production: ContiTech Develops First
Polyamide Rear Axle Transmission Crossbeam
 25 percent weight reduction compared to aluminum variant
 Less noise and vibration despite high crash protection
 Premium suppliers among the forerunners in lightweight construction technology
Hanover, February 2015. ContiTech uses its expertise in lightweight construction to conquer other
areas of application where metal once dominated. For the first time, the bearings specialist from
Hanover in Germany has developed a transmission crossbeam from fiberglass-reinforced
polyamide BASF Ultramid for the rear axle, which is used in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The new
variant is about 25 percent lighter compared to diecast aluminum versions. "The new rear axle
transmission crossbeam is a milestone in the use of polyamides in the chassis and has the
potential to set a new trend in the automotive industry," says Kai Frühauf, head of the ContiTech
Vibration Control business unit. Polyamide is increasingly replacing metal. And we're right there in
the forefront helping manufacturers gradually replace metal with high-performance plastics."
The rear axle transmission crossbeam from ContiTech is used in Mercedes-Benz vehicle models
with all wheel drive – with the exception of the AMG range. The component boasts optimum
strength, good NVH performance, and high crash-protection. As a central component of the rear
axle, it supports forces and torques of the rear axle transmission.
"Absolute precision is called for in the design and production of the transmission crossbeam for the
rear axle – particularly in terms of strength and dimensional accuracy of the component,"
emphasizes Diethard Schneider, head of lightweight construction pre-development at ContiTech
Vibration Control. "Only when all the properties are exactly right can the component be assembled
in the axle system without any problems. The fact that premium suppliers are among the
forerunners shows the trust and confidence that engineers have today in the performance of our
polyamide components for engines and chassis."
1/3
Your contact:
Antje Lewe, phone: +49 511 938-1304
-2Material with plenty of potential
With its extensive skill and experience in material technology, ContiTech is an important partner in
the automotive industry and develops pioneering innovations in conjunction with its customers. The
rubber and plastic specialist is constantly setting benchmarks in the field of lightweight construction
technology, while developing new product solutions on a global scale. Polyamide components
make an important contribution in terms of reducing weight and making vehicles more
environmentally friendly. Unlike aluminum, polyamide can be shaped at lower temperatures, thus
requiring significantly less energy in the manufacturing process. There is also a wide range of
possibilities in recycling.
Since 2006, ContiTech Vibration Control has been using BASF Ultramid for bearings in automotive
construction and has received design awards for its work. Product solutions include heavy-duty
engine mounts, with the annual production volume in 2013 exceeding three million. In 2009, the
bearings specialist also launched a lightweight transmission crossbeam from the lightweight
material to support the forces and torques of the engine transmission unit. The weight is 50 percent
less compared to an aluminum component. ContiTech produces the component in an injection
molding process. ContiTech has already delivered millions of torque reaction mounts made from
polyamide.
Caption CT_VC_Getriebequerträger_Hinterachse.jpg
New performance class with lightweight technology: The new ContiTech transmission crossbeam
for the rear axle is used in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Photo: ContiTech
2/3
Your contact:
Antje Lewe, phone: +49 511 938-1304
-3Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner,
the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner offers sustainable, safe,
comfortable, customized, and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated preliminary sales of
approximately €34.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tire, and ContiTech.
Continental employs approximately 190,000 people in 49 countries.
The ContiTech division numbers among the leading suppliers of a host of technical rubber products and is a
specialist for plastics technology. The division develops and produces functional parts, components and
systems for the automotive industry and other important industries. ContiTech currently has a workforce of
approximately 31,400 employees. In 2013 it recorded sales of about €3.9 billion.
Contact for journalists
Antje Lewe
Spokeswoman
Head of Media & Public Relations
ContiTech AG
Vahrenwalder Strasse 9
30165 Hanover, Germany
Phone: +49 511 938-1304
Cell phone: +49 160 4767260
Fax: +49 511 938-81304
E-mail: antje.lewe@contitech.de
www.contitech.de
Sandra Behnsen
Head of Communications
Vibration Control
ContiTech AG
Vahrenwalder Strasse 9
30165 Hanover, Germany
Phone: +49 511 938-14029
Fax: +49 511 938-14025
E-mail: sandra.behnsen@contitech.de
www.contitech.de
This press release is available in the following languages: German, English
Links
Press releases and photos are available for download at www.contitech.de/press
Your contact:
Antje Lewe, phone: +49 511 938-1304