Press Release
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Intelligent Networking Cuts Operating Costs
“Always On” in Hanover: Continental optimizes data flow between vehicle, driver and
environment, thus boosting efficiency of commercial vehicle fleets.
Regensburg/Hanover, September 21, 2010. Intelligent networking, optimum data flow and
perfect exchange of information are indispensible for the efficient operation of a commercial
vehicle. In addition to efficient drives and the highest possible degree of safety, information
processing is key for the cost-effective operation of all kinds of fleets. At IAA Commercial
Vehicles in Hanover (September 23 to 30, 2010), the Interior division of Continental is
showcasing a broad portfolio of high performance products with which the vehicle, driver and
fleet manager are “Always On” – within the vehicles, between driver and machine and with
the infrastructure.
“In modern trucks, buses or vans, there is a continuous exchange of information between
various electronic components and the outside world. This is a prerequisite for the efficient
and reliable operation of a vehicle,” explains Dr. Michael Ruf, head of Commercial Vehicles &
Aftermarket business unit at Continental. “With the help of electronics, the fleet pool can be
planned efficiently, traffic jams and empty runs can be avoided, and routes and traffic flow
can be optimized. So in the area of information management, we pursue our vision of
“Always On”. Information is managed comprehensively, vehicle systems are always ready to
receive new data and inform the driver according to the actual driving situation.”
Digital tachograph: Products and solutions for greater efficiency in the fleet
For the networking of the vehicle and the outside world, Continental is presenting at the IAA
a broad portfolio of VDO products and services having to do with all aspects of the digital
tachograph DTCO. In addition to the legally-mandated control unit for recording the driving
and steering times, Continental has optimized tailor-made telematics modules and targetgroup-oriented fleet software into complete modular solutions and services for the costefficient management of fleets, all available from one supplier. From the manual download
solution with the help of a practical data key and a Wi-Fi or cellular link for automatic transfer
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-2of data, to solutions for archiving and analysis of driver and vehicle data on one's own
computer or on a highly-secure internet server, Continental makes it possible for fleet
operators to substantially increase their efficiency, for instance by optimizing the deployment
of crew taking into account the legally permitted driving and rest times while simplifying the
daily tasks of drivers and fleet managers. Parallel to the technical development of the digital
tachograph, Continental has linked a tightly meshed network of services to the product. The
majority of the roughly 7,000 VDO partner workshops in Europe have been trained and
authorized specifically with this in mind. These authorized workshops provide fleet operators
services, including the installation, calibration and periodic inspection of the DTCO in the
customer’s proximity.
Simplify your Drive: Automatically the right profile
A fine example of the networking of vehicle and driver is the trend-setting Simplify your Drive
concept from Continental: After it attracted a great deal of attention in cars, a version of the
concept modified for the requirements of the transport industry is now celebrating its
premiere in the commercial vehicle: The concept networks all vehicle functions, from the
powertrain, chassis and passenger compartment systems to the electronics architecture,
selecting the right profile for the driver and the vehicle, depending on the situation. Trucks,
buses or vans can thus automatically switch between the profiles “Country” for expressways
or highways, “City” for urban traffic, or “Park & Rest” for the resting time, making operation of
the system a piece of cake. All systems are adjusted optimally for the respective profile. At
the rest area, for instance, the speedometer in the reconfigurable instrument cluster makes
way for a video monitor, in urban traffic the active feedback pedal AFFP reminds the driver of
the speed limit. But if a commercial vehicle is travelling on an expressway or highway, the
speed limits are raised and the system starts to collect tolls. Furthermore, Simplify your Drive
automatically helps comply with the driving and rest times, indicating to the driver that it is
about time for a break, while the electronics is already searching for and reserving a free
parking space.
Virtual vision with eHorizon
For automatic shifting, Simplify your Drive uses eHorizon, a virtual vision system which,
using data from the navigation system, is aware of the stretch of road ahead. At the same
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-3time, the eHorizon may however also be used for engine and gearbox control or other
assistance systems. The driver is relieved significantly by the automatic adaptation to the
current surroundings and driving situation. The driver can thus focus his full attention on the
traffic, increasing safety while at the same time boosting cost effectiveness, since the vehicle
is used efficiently and wear and tear are reduced. After all, if a driver is relieved of some of
the stress of driving, he will be more effective and will be ill less often.
More light with lighting control units for LED headlights
Product innovations from Continental such as exterior lighting control units also boost
economy. With these control units, LED headlights can be used reliably in commercial
vehicles as well. Thanks to efficient energy management for the lamps, fuel consumption and
carbon dioxide emissions are reduced. In addition, an optimized light pattern and a color
temperature adjusted for the human eye provides for a higher level of safety and driving
comfort. Since “light emitting diodes” (LED) last much longer than conventional light bulbs,
the long-term operating costs are reduced as well. Additional visits to the workshop, zerovisibility driving and repairs in the emergency lane are thus a thing of the past.
A matter of pressure: “Tire Pressure Monitoring” saves fuel and enhances safety
The close connection between safety and cost-effectiveness in all developments of
Continental’s Interior division is reflected in the Tire Guard tire information system. With Tire
Guard, Continental is anticipating future regulations currently under discussion, also ensuring
enhanced comfort, greater safety and better efficiency. The system warns the driver when
the tire pressure is too low, thus preventing flat tires and an unnecessary increase in fuel
consumption. The impact of the widespread use of such technologies would be immense: In
cars alone, operating costs in Europe could be cut by €3.4 billion each year. Considering that
commercial vehicles cover many more kilometers, the savings advantage here would be
many times higher.
Always wired up: Intelligent antenna module maintains all connections
As the basis for an extensive networking of the vehicle with the outside world, Continental is
developing an intelligent antenna module together with Kathrein. This unit integrates
antennas for the wireless communication between the vehicle and the infrastructure, the
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-4antennas for the vehicle interior as well as the corresponding transmission and reception
electronics. In this way, one single module enables services such as telephone, GPS, remote
keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system, WLAN, radio, TV, or the future car-to-car
communication. This integrated approach reduces not only the work required to install the
system and thus the acquisition costs, it also becomes the key element for all present and
future telematics applications with which operating costs can be reduced.
AutoLinQ: Individual and user-friendly Internet services for the commercial vehicle
The AutoLinQ developed by Continental is a milestone on the path to intelligent networking.
The infotainment system brings Internet-based services and apps (application programs) into
the vehicle and will make it possible for drivers and fleet managers to personalize
commercial vehicles throughout the vehicles’ service lives via a secure and effective
networking with the Internet. With AutoLinQ, Continental is thus making available the
platform on which the intelligent applications for the efficient operation of trucks, buses and
vans can be installed and integrated. In the future, it will then be possible to easily integrate
new applications such as the search for empty parking spaces in rest areas for long-distance
truckers. Here, it is important for Continental that the control of such applications also be
optimized for use in a commercial vehicle.
With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009, Continental is among the leading automotive
suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and
chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers,
Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a
competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs
approximately 143,000 in 46 countries.
The Automotive Group with its three divisions Chassis & Safety (sales of approximately €4.4 billion
in 2009, 27,000 employees), Powertrain (sales of approximately €3.4 billion in 2009, 24,000
employees) and Interior (sales of approximately €4.4 billion in 2009, 27,000 employees) achieved
sales of approximately €12 billion in 2009. The Automotive Group is present in more than 130
locations worldwide. As a partner of the automotive and commercial vehicle industry, it develops and
produces innovative products and systems for a modern automotive future, in which cars provide
individual mobility and driving pleasure consistent with driving safety, environmental responsibility and
cost-efficiency.
The Chassis & Safety division develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake and chassis
control systems, sensors, driver assistance systems, air bag electronics and sensors, washer systems
and electronic air suspension systems. Its core competence is the integration of active and passive
driving safety into ContiGuard®. The Powertrain division integrates innovative and efficient system
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-5solutions for vehicle powertrains. The comprehensive range of products includes gasoline and diesel
injection systems, engine management, transmission control, including sensors and actuators, as well
as fuel-supply systems and components and systems for hybrid and electro-drives. Information
management is at the very heart of the Interior division, which provides a range of products that
includes instrument clusters and multifunctional displays, control units, electronic car-entry systems,
tire-monitoring systems, radios, multimedia and navigation systems, climate control systems,
telematics solutions and cockpit modules and systems.
Contact for journalists:
Enno Pflug
External Communications, Interior division
Continental Automotive GmbH
Sodener Strasse 9
65824 Schwalbach am Taunus
Tel.: 06196 87-2515
Fax: 06196 8779-2515
enno.pflug@continental-corporation.com
www.continental-presse.de
www.continental-corporation.com
Your contact person:
Enno Pflug, +49 6196 87-2515