Press release
Highlight at Intermot: Head-up display study for
motorcycles
 Simulator gives motorcyclists an opportunity to experience head-up display
 Technology study shows how information on the vehicle and its surroundings can be
projected into the driver’s field of view
 Head-up displays minimize distractions for the driver and maximize comfort and safety
Villingen-Schwenningen, October 1, 2014. Continental has applied its more than 100 years of
instrumentation experience to the motorcycle cockpit. The company offers economical solutions for low-cost
models as well as tailor-made solutions for high-end markets. Recently it set a technological milestone in the
motorcycle world with extremely rugged multi-functional displays. Now, together with the helmet
manufacturer Skully Systems, Continental has produced a study on head-up displays for motorcycles. At
Intermot (October 1 to 5) it will be presenting this state-of-the-art technology in a simulator.
In cars, head-up displays on the windshield reduce distractions for the driver, in this way providing enhanced
safety and comfort. The innovative study applies the same principle to the motorcycle helmet, thus taking the
trend towards wearable devices to a new level. Information on navigation, road alerts, or motorcycle specific
features such as the inclination angles are shown in the driver’s field of view. In the simulator the head-up
display also assumes the task of the shoulder check and shows the motorcyclist what is happening in the
blind spot via a backward-looking camera. The motorcyclist can concentrate on the virtual road and
recognize critical situations more quickly.
The simulator at Intermot gives a two-minute ride that demonstrates how significantly a head-up display
affects the motorcycling experience and what new opportunities are opened up under realistic conditions.
The helmet in this product study is linked via Bluetooth 4.0 to an electronic control unit which analyzes and
processes data from the vehicle. In addition to obtaining information from the immediate surroundings and
from various digital sources, it is connected with the vehicle’s sensors and electronic system. Thus, for
example, it is able to measure the motorcycle’s speed from the GPS signal but is also connected to the
speedometer and makes sure that the value which it gives is projected onto the helmet visor. All the
information displayed in this way is updated within fractions of a second. If the engine speed increases, the
control unit gets instructions to shift to a higher gear. This command is instantly relayed to the helmet, where
it is displayed along with an acoustic signal. Information received by the control unit from the outside is
handled in the same way. If, for example, information comes in about an accident on the route, this is
Your contact:
Frederick Wilde, phone: +49 69 7603-9406
-2likewise immediately projected into the driver’s field of view. For trade fair visitors the study thus provides a
realistic, hands-on demonstration of what head-up display technology has to offer for motorcyclists.
With sales of around €33.3 billion in 2013, Continental is one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers. As
a provider 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 an expert partner in networked
automobile communication. Continental currently employs around 186,000 people in 49 countries.
The Automotive Group with its three divisions Chassis & Safety (sales of approx. €7.3 billion in 2013,
roughly 36.500 employees), Powertrain (sales of approx. €6.3 billion in 2013, roughly 32,400 employees)
and Interior (sales of approx. €6.6 billion in 2013, roughly 34,400 employees) achieved sales of
approximately €20 billion in 2013. The Automotive Group is present in more than 170 locations worldwide.
As a partner to 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.
Within the Continental 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
Frederick Wilde
External Communications
Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket
Continental
Phone: +49 69 7603-9406
E-Mail: Frederick.Wilde@continentalcorporation.com
This press release is available in the following languages: German, English
Links
Online Media Database: www.mediacenter.continental-corporation.com
Your contact:
Frederick Wilde, phone: +49 69 7603-9406