Background
Division Interior
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The Interior Division of the Continental Corporation
The Interior Division specializes in information management. It develops and
manufactures information, communication and networking solutions that support the
driver’s performance in every situation. With innovative concepts and components,
functions and systems, it helps to increase the safety of vehicles, to enable
environmentally friendly driving and to provide maximum comfort in the vehicle.
The electronics specialists within the Interior Division simplify vehicle control and optimize
the internal vehicle information paths through the integration of components into higher level
systems. Through intelligent networking new functions and services can be realized. Finally,
intuitive, ergonomic operating devices enable the safe and comfort-oriented handling of
different information.
The optimization of the interface between man and machine is of equal importance to the
engineers and designers as the increase in efficiency and safety. Other key work focuses on
solutions for networked partially, fully, or highly automated cars and trucks of the future as
well as vehicles with conventional and alternative drive systems.
With more than 100 years of experience in the generation and presentation of information in
vehicles, the vision of the electronics specialists is "Always On". They pursue the strategy to
inform and to network - at a lower cost.
The Division is divided into four specialized divisions: Instrumentation & Driver HMI,
Infotainment & Connectivity, Body & Security and Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket.
The world is full of Information
The interconnectivity in the world is steadily rising and with that the desire to connect
vehicles also increases. With its products, systems and services, Interior Division controls
and optimizes the necessary complex flow of information between the driver, passengers,
mobile devices and vehicles on the one hand and the environment, other vehicles and the
"Internet of Everything" on the other.
In order to ensure that the driver always has an overview and can use the information for the
current driving situation, the experts of the Interior Division develop innovative solutions for
various customers worldwide. These solutions make it possible to gather information about
the current driving situation which can be filtered, prioritized and displayed. In addition, they
help drivers, vehicles and the outside world to network - not only amongst themselves but
also with modern digital devices.
With this work, our specialists can shape the automotive future and support the visions of
"Zero Accidents" and "Clean Power". They help to make vehicles safer, cleaner and more
comfortable by connecting the vehicle with the driver and passenger.
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Your contact: :
Enno Pigge, +49 6196 87 2515
Sebastian Fillenberg, +49 6196 87 3709
July 2014
-2The progressive networking of vehicles with the digital world expands the vehicle’s visibility
field beyond the radius of the vehicle sensors and enables new functionalities and freedoms
while driving. With its solutions, the Interior Division makes a significant contribution to the
development of the automotive world. Comprehensive, secure and smart information and
control strategies benefit from more than 110 years of expertise in the area of operating
concepts. On the evolutionary path for automated driving the holistic HMI (Human Machine
Interface) helps to build confidence in future driving functions and automated driving.
The complexity of future tasks in the automotive industry requires technological partnerships
and close cooperation of all Parties involved. This is done internally by company-wide teams.
Externally, partnerships with leading specialists which have been built up over many years
are used. Continental and especially the Interior Division, work together closely with CISCO
Systems, for example, to ensure maximum data security at all times. For the processing and
analysis of large amounts of data, it cooperates with IBM. The preferred specialist for map
data is Nokia Here.
The development and optimization of diverse, cutting-edge connectivity of vehicles to the
cloud is one of the main roles of the Interior Division. For example, they outsource computing
power from the vehicle to the Internet and they realize the importance of complex features,
such as natural language processing.
The connected and dynamic eHorizon (electronic horizon) can provide updated information
on the upcoming path and allows the driver and vehicle to see around the corner or over the
next hill. In practice this means that in automated vehicles with a Chauffeur function for
example, the driver can set important parameters for when and where it is makes sense to
hand over driving tasks to the digital companion.
The comprehensive network of transport infrastructure and the resulting opportunities for
new business models will gain momentum and importance. This is particularly true for digital
services for commercially used vehicles and fleets that have a high development potential.
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Your contact: :
Enno Pigge, +49 6196 87 2515
Sebastian Fillenberg, +49 6196 87 3709
July 2014
-3Information Management: Keeping everything important in view
The amount of driving information has increased significantly in recent years. Innovative
display systems and programmable displays open up completely new display options. Based
on current information strategies content can be displayed flexibly, to fit traffic situations and
present and communicate information appropriately.
More than 110 years of experience in research and development for instrumentation and
extensive knowledge in the fields of ergonomics and information processing makes the
Interior Division an important development partner for automotive manufacturers. This is how
the 1902 eddy current speedometer was patented as the first instrument in vehicles to
provide information speed of the vehicle. At the same time, it laid the foundation for all
subsequent instrumentation solutions up to the head-up display.
Today the Interior Division realized platform-oriented instrumentation solutions taking into
account technical requirements, the latest technologies and economic requirements as well
as brand and model series specific design aspects.
With the display systems, driving information, comfort, features and entertainment-related
content can be vehicle and driver specific. With a portfolio as wide as it is deep, the Division
provides an appropriate solution for almost any demand.
The Instrumentation & Driver HMI business unit develops and produces classical instrument
clusters with pointers, instrument clusters with digital and analog display units as well as
user-programmable fully digital instrument clusters (FPK) with virtually unlimited display
options.
In addition it provides secondary displays for integration on, or in, the center console and
head-up displays, which as one of the innovation leaders, it provided in the second
generation.
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Your contact: :
Enno Pigge, +49 6196 87 2515
Sebastian Fillenberg, +49 6196 87 3709
July 2014
-4Human-machine interface
As the volume of traffic increases, along with the range of possibilities for modern display
systems, the importance of intuitive operating concepts for the optimal design of the interface
between humans and technology follows suit.
The control units have to be designed in such a way, that they meet driver comfort needs
without distracting from the traffic. Moreover, with sophisticated concepts, they should help to
increase the safety of vehicles. As haptic interfaces between man and machine, buttons,
sliders, and touch-sensitive surfaces remain important components of the driving experience
and vehicle identity.
The Interior division supports vehicle manufacturers with solutions that are visually,
functionally and economically innovative as it explores new ways to satisfy the desire for
increased features and configuration options. The experts develop individual components
such as integrated modules as well as complete Cockpits. For innovative, high quality
finishes, they use the latest technological possibilities, such as "Seamless Design", "Black
Panel", "Capacitive Touch" and "Haptic feedback".
In addition, the integrated systems in the vehicle roof realize various different functions from
just one component. The requirement of ergonomics specialists is for the intuitive usability of
the platform based solutions to be developed with a holistic approach to the Human Machine
Interface (HMI).
Infotainment: Experience entertainment and information
The demands of modern radios, navigation and multimedia systems are extremely complex.
What is considered an optional extra in a developing market is already standard equipment
in others. In addition, the latest developments in consumer electronics must always be
seamlessly, quickly and safely integrated into the car.
In 1994, Philips Car Systems were the pioneers of the market, producing the first factoryinstalled navigation system for European vehicles.
As one of the current leaders of innovation, the Interior Division is developing marketoptimized and pioneering systems, which are used to provide information, entertainment and
driver assistance functions for vehicles. These include classic radios, navigation systems
with dynamic route guidance and scalable, updatable infotainment platforms.
The multimedia solutions range from entry-level to high-end systems, with high-resolution 3D
displays for fast and secure use of online services, new convenience features and apps. The
360° surround view camera system, connected via Ethernet, has for the first time enabled
the software integration of driver assistance features in to infotainment products. Electronic
horizon (eHorizon) software provides you with knowledge of the road ahead, which makes
for a safer, more economical and comfortable drive.
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Your contact: :
Enno Pigge, +49 6196 87 2515
Sebastian Fillenberg, +49 6196 87 3709
July 2014
-5Connectivity: Connected always, and everywhere
Innovations in the field of information and communication technology have made the holistic
networking of vehicles possible. It is about the simple and flexible integration of mobile
devices, together with the connection of vehicles to the outside world.
This means that on the one hand, smart phones and MP3 players can be safely, comfortably
and seamlessly connected with the vehicle through Mirror-Link ™, Bluetooth® and WiFi ™.
The devices are automatically detected, utilizing existing infrastructure such as speakers,
displays and controls.
On the other hand, the Interior Division vehicles can connect with the cloud via fast LTE ™
mobile networks. The systems are open to third-party services and new HTML5 applications.
Moreover, they improve the integration of smartphone content.
AutoLinQ, is a flexible networking strategy with open architecture, which can securely
connect both vehicle and driver to the Internet. This allows drivers access to new features,
and for manufacturers to differentiate themselves from the competition. For electric vehicles,
AutoLinQ also allows for constant access to vehicle information as well as the location of the
next charging station, and the current state of charge.
Apps and cloud services can react independently with situation-based services, providing
increased driver comfort. An example of this is infotainment systems that are able to inform
you of nearby restaurants, free parking, or other relevant information.
Vehicle telematics are another important application of networking, providing versatile
solutions such as fully automated emergency calling (eCall) and stolen vehicle tracking
through the Stolen Vehicle Tracking module with immobilizer function. Data from vehicle
telematics will be used more and more in the future, in applications like ContiGuard, the
Continental driver safety system.
Particular emphasis is placed on networking for automated driving, as well as for functions
such as augmented reality head-up displays. eHorizon (electronic horizon)will be able to
supplement static map data with the data collected by other networked vehicles nearby. This
real time crowd-sourcing enables vehicles to look around the corner and adjust to upcoming
situations accordingly.
Following the acquisition of Motorola automotive electronics in 2006, Continental’s focus
moved to networking, which has enabled Continental to network more than 27 million
vehicles to date.
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Your contact: :
Enno Pigge, +49 6196 87 2515
Sebastian Fillenberg, +49 6196 87 3709
July 2014
-6At lower cost: Safe and comfortable vehicle controls
Electronic body and entry systems ensure reliable control of numerous comfort and vehicle
functions. They give vehicle manufacturers the opportunity to differentiate themselves from
the competition, to segment their vehicle fleet, as well as to offer added value to both
passenger and driver. In the development and production of these systems, optimal
functionality and profitability are the primary focus of the specialists in the Interior Division.
The scalable and AUTOSAR-compliant controls connect different vehicle functions, including
central body functions as well, as those in peripheral areas such as in the door or trunk. In
addition, they are developing specific gateway solutions, that meet the increasingly diverse
and complex requirements of modern vehicles, with regard to information communication
and information management.
With intelligent antenna modules, the ever increasing number of wireless technologies in
vehicles can be coordinated, integrating various internal and external antennas, for example
combining cell phone reception, GPS, radio remote control, WLAN, radio and future vehicleto-vehicle communication. This simplifies wiring, reduces space requirements and improves
signal quality, which provides optimum scalability.
The solutions in the field of innovative drive authorization systems range from the classic
immobilizer and radio locking systems to bi-directional keys. Vehicle entry and start systems
that no longer need the driver to have the key in hand are particularly convenient. The next
generation of drive authorization systems based on NFC (Near Field Communication) allow
vehicle access via a mobile phone and do not require a physical key. Optimized safety, ease
of use and trouble-free interaction are at the heart of this technology. Furthermore, this
technology opens up a host of other cutting-edge features and services to the automobile,
such as payment functions, vehicle information, personalization and navigation
programming.
Inside the car, seat comfort systems enable the consistent use of synergistic effects,
providing an economical solution for seat heating and air conditioning, massage functions,
fully automatic seat adjustment and systems for dynamic lateral support when cornering.
In order to reduce the likelihood of an accident and to reduce fuel consumption, tire
information systems are available to inform the driver about the pressure, temperature and
condition of the tires at any given moment. These systems already meet future legal
requirements. Another innovative feature is the automatic tire inflation assistant, which is
able to show current tire pressures on a smartphone during inflation. This is not only for your
convenience, but it also acts as a safety feature, in case the gas station has no pressure
gauge, or is not working properly. Once the tire has reached the desired pressure, the driver
is informed by a sound or light signal from the vehicle.
Another contribution to vehicle safety and energy efficiency are the LED lighting control
devices (LED Light Control), which ensure optimum illumination of the road in any situation.
Again, Continental is supporting the needs of vehicle manufacturers with advanced
electronics concepts. The efficient energy management of lights paves the way for entirely
new vehicle design and lighting functions, whilst reducing fuel consumption and carbon
dioxide emissions. Solutions for intelligent battery and energy management ensure the
.../7
Your contact: :
Enno Pigge, +49 6196 87 2515
Sebastian Fillenberg, +49 6196 87 3709
July 2014
-7efficient use of energy in order to meet the demands of vehicles with an increasing number of
electronic devices. In that case the specialists of the Interior Division stabilize and safeguard
the vehicle power supply and enable the application of environmentally friendly start-stop
systems.
A variety of solutions are already suitable for use in electric and alternative fuel vehicles.
Thus, the Interior Division offers adaptable and expandable gateway solutions to assist
vehicle manufacturers in the development of new features for electric vehicles, and new
ways to actively further mobility.
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Your contact: :
Enno Pigge, +49 6196 87 2515
Sebastian Fillenberg, +49 6196 87 3709
July 2014
-8At lower cost: System Integration - harnessing synergies
System integration is a separate field of development for the electronics experts in the
interior division, and not a downstream product development activity. Given increasingly
complex automotive architecture, the electronics experts think and act comprehensively with
regard to functions, systems and business requirements. Experienced specialists combine
different functions and components to create new systems.
This holistic approach and versatile product portfolio are the basis of scalable system and
integration solutions. As a strong development partner, the Interior Division supports vehicle
manufacturers from the initial planning stage to implement increased functionality with fewer
control devices. This not only reduces space requirements and costs, but also through the
reduced number of components, increases reliability.
"Simplify your Drive", the operating and system concept for user profile-based tuning of the
Human Machine Interface (HMI) as well as the vehicle, is a testament to the ability of the
Interior Division. It allows extensive customization of the vehicle based on the needs of the
driver.
The networking of domains and individual functions makes new vehicle functions accessible,
and in turn opens up a whole new range of driving possibilities. The functions are packaged
into different profiles, and can be selected by the driver at the push of a button. The
appearance of the Interior, the content of the display, the infotainment and comfort systems
and the settings of the engine, transmission and chassis are all dependent on the selected
profile. Thanks to freely programmable displays, the relevant information is displayed to the
driver in the respective vehicle mode, with matching visuals.
The Driver Focus Vehicle goes one step further. This actively supports the driver by
gathering and analyzing the driver’s actions. The system can detect if the driver is distracted
in a critical situation, and will illuminate strips of light to draw the driver’s attention back to the
direction where it is most needed.
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Your contact: :
Enno Pigge, +49 6196 87 2515
Sebastian Fillenberg, +49 6196 87 3709
July 2014
-9Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket: For specialists, by specialists
Covering the brands Continental, VDO, ATE, GALFER and Barum, the Interior Division offers
electronic products, systems and services for commercial, agricultural, construction and twowheeled vehicles; a broad selection of products for specialized workshops, and spare parts
and diagnostic solutions for the independent parts trade, independent workshops and for
vehicles no longer in production.
With more than 80 years of experience, our products are designed and manufactured to
make vehicles cleaner, safer and more efficient.
Our electronic control devices and systems for drive and onboard electronics, as well as
solutions in the field of human-machine interface, are manufactured to the highest standards.
We are the market leader for tachographs and related services, peripherals and software,
and offer solutions in the areas of toll collection and vehicle telematics.
In addition to OEM products, our specialists provide a broad product portfolio for specialized
and independent workshops, as well as for the independent aftermarket. This includes spare
and wear parts as well as tools and service equipment for brakes. In addition, the portfolio
includes parts including fuel systems, actuators for central locking systems, engine actuators,
blower and fan systems, windshield and headlight cleaning systems, sensors for engine
management and instrumentation, tire pressure monitoring systems as well as diesel
common rail injection.
Multi-brand diagnostic systems complete our product portfolio. With original spare parts for
vehicle models no longer in production; customers and workshops are equally provided for.
Our experts have full control of the production process including production, sales, logistics
and quality assurance.
Having a variety of products and services for commercial vehicles and the aftermarket are
strengths of the business. Thanks to the global network of sales and service companies, the
Interior Division has a global customer focus, and serves the specific needs of these market
segments.
Your contact: :
Enno Pigge, +49 6196 87 2515
Sebastian Fillenberg, +49 6196 87 3709
July 2014