Press release
Continental: Fuel-saving eHorizon in use by growing
numbers of commercial vehicle makers
 Several commercial vehicle OEMs are already using this map-based sensor technology
 According to Continental’s estimates, truck diesel consumption has been reduced by more
than 195 million liters in this way since 2012
 MAN Efficient Cruise, which uses eHorizon data, has achieved fuel savings of more than 6%
 Further development of “dynamic eHorizon” will update map material in real time and
provide information on suddenly occurring events
Villingen-Schwenningen, January 19, 2016. When it comes to commercial vehicle efficiency, it is
usually the engine, the weight and the aerodynamics that are taken as examples. But sensor
systems can also play an important part in fuel-saving driving. A good example of this is the
electronic horizon (eHorizon) from the automotive supplier Continental. Based on high-precision
topographic trip data and a GPS signal, it supplies a three-dimensional profile of the route ahead to
the Adaptive Cruise Control and other electronic control units in the vehicle. Together with software
from the vehicle manufacturer which adapts the vehicle’s driving style to the road, the eHorizon
thus helps reduce fuel consumption. In the last year alone, MAN and a further major European
truck maker have integrated the sensor system into their vehicles; several production launches in
Europe and North America are being prepared for both the coming year. MAN is offering a system
comprising eHorizon and solutions of its own under the name Efficient Cruise. Tests verified by
TÜV have shown that it achieves fuel savings of more than 6 percent. By Continental’s estimates,
it has been possible to save more than 195 million liters of diesel fuel since 2012, when the
technology went into series production. This corresponds to more than 260 million euros and more
than 515,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. In developing the sensor systems, Continental is
cooperating with the location cloud developer HERE, which supplies the map material.
Considerable fuel savings possible, combined with enhanced safety and comfort
The electronic horizon continuously compares the position of the vehicle with high-precision
topographical map material and passes information on the route ahead to other control units.
These units automatically adapt the driving style and speed to the route ahead. For example, they
accelerate the vehicle before an uphill stretch in order to gain the greatest benefit from the
available torque and reduce gear changes to a minimum. Before a downward incline, the vehicle
Your contact:
Christopher Schrecke, phone: +49 69 7603-2022
-2speed is reduced to take maximum advantage of the vehicle acceleration during the descent. That
not only saves fuel and increases safety, but also ensures greater comfort, since hard braking can
also be avoided in certain driving situations. According to Continental’s calculations, commercial
vehicle fleets can reduce their fuel consumption by up to at least three percent thanks to the
eHorizon, and OEM-specific systems can contribute added improvements.
Real-time updates and information on dynamic events in further extensions
Continental is continuously developing this successful series product. In the next expansion stage,
the connected eHorizon, the sensor system can save data recorded by the vehicle locally and
transmit it to a cloud-based environment. Here, the data from all vehicles is collated and made
available to all users at regular intervals for map updates. This allows detailed information to be
incorporated into a digital map or newly created for routes where only patchy map data is available.
In the final expansion stage, the dynamic eHorizon, the digital map material is updated by
interlinking it in real time to HERE’s location cloud. In addition, Continental intends to improve the
maps with further information that is important for road users. Then the system will also warn the
driver of suddenly occurring events such as poor weather, accidents or traffic jams.
“The electronic horizon thus becomes a high-precision and bang-up-to-date information carrier.
This will not only improve driving comfort and driver safety, but also help commercial vehicle
manufacturers to further reduce the total cost of ownership, which is a crucial factor for them,” says
Dr. Michael Ruf, head of Continental’s Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket Business Unit.
Moreover, the eHorizon can prepare driver assistance systems, brakes or steering for the
upcoming traffic situation even before the vehicle sensors register the situation. If, for example, it
reports the end of a tailback behind a bend, the speed of an automated vehicle can be gently
reduced, instead of having to slam on the brakes when the sensors detect the obstacle. With the
dynamic eHorizon, highly automated driving is more comfortable because the technology
supplements the vehicle sensors and provides an additional information source.
-3Continental 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 2015, the corporation generated preliminary sales of
approximately €39.2 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tire, and ContiTech.
Continental currently employs more than 208,000 people in 53 countries.
Information management in and beyond the vehicle is at the very heart of the Interior division. The product
portfolio for different types of vehicles includes: instrument clusters, multifunctional and head-up displays,
control units, access control and tire-information systems, radios, infotainment systems, input devices,
control panels, climate control units, software, cockpits as well as services and solutions for telematics and
Intelligent Transportation Systems. The Interior division employs more than 36,000 people worldwide and
generated sales of approximately €7 billion in 2014.
Within the Interior Division the Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket Business Unit accommodates the
specific requirements of the commercial vehicle, special vehicle and aftermarket sector. A global network of
sales and service companies ensures proximity to local customers. Covering the product brands Continental,
VDO, ATE, Galfer and Barum the Business Unit offers electronic products, systems and services for
commercial and special vehicles, a broad selection of products for specialized workshops and spare parts for
the Independent Aftermarket and the Original Equipment Services after end of series production of the
vehicle manufacturer.
Contact for Journalists
Christopher Schrecke
Head of Media Relations and Internal
Communications
Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket
Continental
Phone: +49 69 7603-2022
E-mail: christopher.schrecke@continentalcorporation.com
This press release is available in the following languages: German, English
Links
Online press portal: www.continental-presse.de
Media database: www.continental-mediacenter.com
Video portal: videoportal.continental-corporation.com