Press Release
ContiTech
IAA Cars: ContiTech to Exhibit Environmentally
Friendly Innovations
 Developers test natural rubber from dandelion for anti-vibration technology
 Innovation for the rear axle: transmission crossbeam made from fiberglass-reinforced
polyamide
 Lighter than spur gears or chains: double-sided timing belts for balance shafts
 Saves fuel: modular turbocharger hose line
Hanover, July 2015. Lower fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emissions, enhanced comfort: the
rubber and plastics specialist ContiTech will exhibit innovations for sustainable mobility at IAA Cars
2015 and will also be presenting the latest findings from research into the use of natural rubber
from the roots of the dandelion plant for vibration and mounting elements. The highlights in the
"Environment" exhibition area at the Continental stand (hall 5.1, stand A08) will include a rear-axle
transmission crossbeam made from polyamide, a double-sided timing belt for balance shafts, and
a modular hose line for turbochargers.
Developers test natural rubber from dandelion for anti-vibration technology
Obtaining natural rubber from the roots of the dandelion plant promises major benefits for the
environment and greater independence from traditional raw materials. The raw material will grow in
the poorest of soils and even in the colder regions of northern Europe. This would obviate the need
for transport from tropical countries and improve the carbon footprint. Developers from ContiTech
Vibration Control are currently testing whether dandelion rubber is suitable for vibration and
mounting elements in vehicles, such as on engine mounts. The initial findings are very promising.
ContiTech will present information on the subject at the IAA. The natural rubber from the roots of
the dandelion plant has already proved itself on prototypes at Continental's Tire division. The
developments have won numerous awards. Products are expected to be ready for production in
the next five to ten years.
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Your contact:
Antje Lewe, phone: +49 511 938-1304
-2The first polyamide rear-axle transmission crossbeam
With its expertise in lightweight construction, ContiTech is conquering further fields of use
previously dominated by metal: a transmission crossbeam made from fiberglass-reinforced BASF
Ultramid polyamide for the rear axle, which is used in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, is one such
innovation. The new variant is about 30 percent lighter compared with diecast aluminum versions.
The component boasts optimum strength, reduces vibrations and noise, and offers high crashprotection. As a central component of the rear axle, it supports forces and torques of the rear axle
transmission.
Enhanced comfort with double-sided timing belts for balance shafts
ContiTech has developed a new double-sided timing belt to drive balance shafts. The product can
also run in an oil-based environment. The teeth on the belt's rear side transmit the reverse
direction of rotation of the crank shaft to the balance shaft. Compared with spur gears or chains,
the belt is lighter and quieter as well as more flexible with regard to the positioning of the balance
shafts in the engine. Balance shafts improve the engine's smooth running and enhance the driver's
comfort in modern three- and four-cylinder engines in particular.
To operate ancillary units such as air conditioners, steering assistance pumps, and generators,
ContiTech also offers a wear-resistant and quiet V-ribbed belt in the form of the Unipower Tough
Grip. Its pulley side consists of a fabric reinforcement and is thus highly resistant to wear – as is
necessary in starter generator applications, for example. ContiTech produces the belt using a
solvent-free manufacturing method.
Lightweight turbocharger hose line thanks to high-performance plastic
A new, modular hose line for turbochargers saves 15 percent in weight as it features a highperformance plastic instead of a steel pipe. This contributes to the fuel saving and lowers the
vehicles' CO2 emissions. The hose lines for diesel and gasoline engines suit the narrow contours in
the engine compartment, are temperature-resistant up to 220°C, and pressure-resistant up to 2.6
bar. In the diesel version, different components to optimize the noise level are available.
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Your contact:
Antje Lewe, phone: +49 511 938-1304
-3Caption ContiTech_pp_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
Caption ContiTech_pp_Doppelzahnriemen.jpg
The double-sided timing belt from ContiTech to drive balance shafts can also run in an oil-based
environment.
Photo: ContiTech
Caption ContiTech_pp_Turboladerschlauchleitung.jpg
The modular turbocharger hose line can be used in both diesel and gasoline engines.
Photo: ContiTech
3/4
Your contact:
Antje Lewe, phone: +49 511 938-1304
-4Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner,
the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe,
comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated sales of approximately
€34.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tire, and ContiTech. Continental
currently employs approximately 200,000 people in 53 countries.
The ContiTech division is one of the world's leading suppliers of technical elastomer products and is a
specialist in plastics technology. It develops and produces functional parts, components, and systems for
machine and plant engineering, mining, the automotive industry, and other important industries. Together
with U.S. company Veyance Technologies Inc., which was acquired at the beginning of 2015, ContiTech
generated sales of approximately €5.4 billion (pro forma basis) in 2014 and currently employs approximately
41,000 people in 34 countries worldwide.
Contact for journalists
Antje Lewe
Spokeswoman
Head of Media & Public Relations
ContiTech AG
Phone: +49 511 938-1304
Cell phone: +49 160 4767260
E-mail: antje.lewe@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