While Continental AG is renowned as among the largest global tyre manufacturers, the technology company is also a leading automotive supplier for tyre and brake technology, vehicle dynamic control, as well as electronic and sensor systems.
At a recent 2019 Continental Technology Show held in Hanover, Germany, the technology company highlighted many of its innovations under the tagline of “Mobility is the Heartbeat of Life.”
Continental chairman Dr Elmar Degenhart pointed out the automotive industry is currently undergoing a huge transformation.
He predicted that due to increasingly tough emission regulations, diesel and petrol engines might not be sold after 2040 in Europe and China.
Continental chairman Dr Elmar Degenhart says diesel and petrol engines might not be sold after 2040 in Europe and China.
"From 2050, roads and cities will ideally be free of CO2 emissions. Electric cars with a range of 300km will be the best choice in cities," he said.
Degenhart noted that in the past year alone, Continental had invested more than three billion euros (RM13.8 billion) in research and development for next-generation mobility solutions.
“Our alternative drive systems and Continental technologies for automated and autonomous driving, as well as for the connected car, are the key ingredients for a healthy mobility ecosystem."
First fully integrated electric axle drive
At the Technology Show in Hanover, Continental's highlights include its new electric axle drive which is aimed at automakers in in Europe and China.
As the electric axle drive is a fully integrated module, numerous cable connections and plugs can be dispensed with.
Continental's new electric axle drive is aimed at automakers in in Europe and China.
Impressively, the electric axle drive module weighs less than 80kg and includes an electric motor, transmission, power electronics, and motor control.
This reduces the weight of electric vehicles by 20kg, which can help improve the car's performance and travel range.
The new, liquid-cooled drive module is available in two performance levels, with 120 kW and 150 kW.
It will also be found in the Sion electric car from German start-up Sono Motors.
The Sion is the first series electric vehicle to have solar cells in its body.
Autonomous driving and 5G connectivity
Another Continental breakthrough that is ready for production is a radar system that was specially developed for driverless vehicles, and has been fitted in an autonomous EZ10 shuttle bus from the French company EasyMile.
A total of seven radar sensors, each with a range of up to 200 meters, continuously monitor the vehicle environment.
With this data, the system adapts its driving strategy, avoids obstructions and therefore prevents dangerous traffic situations on the route ahead at an early stage.
This system in autonomous shuttle buses should help prevent accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists in particular.
Continental is developing the CUbE, a small driverless shuttle.
Meanwhile, Continental is also developing its first worldwide 5G solution for a vehicle manufacturer.
On this new platform, Continental’s connectivity experts are combining the features of fifth-generation cellular communications with technologies for short-distance radio for direct data exchange between different vehicles and the infrastructure.
The vehicles talk to each other faster than ever before, with fewer interruptions.
They can warn one other, for example, of accidents behind a bend or traffic jams ahead.
Language assistants with natural speech in the car
Continental is also working on an adaptive voice-activated digital companion that reacts to natural speech.
This makes operation easier and drivers do not have to take their eyes off the road.
Adaptive voice-activated digital companion that reacts to natural speech.
This increases attention to traffic, reduces the risk of accidents, and also lets the driver relax.
Another concept from Continental connected windows in the car, which can be specifically darkened to reduce sunlight penetration, or enhance occupant privacy.
Smart intersections in the smart city: everyone arrives safely
In pilot cities in North America and Asia, Continental is experimenting with ordinary traffic intersections that have been fitted with smart sensor technology.
Traffic lights and streetlights equipped with sensors exchange data with vehicles in the vicinity to protect pedestrians and cyclists, in particular.
Continental is experimenting with smart sensors at traffic intersections for better pedestrian safety.
This technology can, for instance, warn a driver of concealed pedestrians or other more vulnerable road users when turning left.
Also, traffic data from street lamps can ultimately reduce emissions: signal changes at traffic lights can be controlled in such a way as to optimize traffic flow and reduce stationary time at intersections.
Tailored electric drives for every need
Continental has developed a new technology for hybrid vehicles, namely a 48-volt high-power drive system with 30 kilowatts - meaning cars can be driven long distances purely with electric power.
Previously, this was only possible using high-voltage drive systems – but not with 48-volt technology.
Vehicle manufacturers can therefore now offer new, attractively priced hybrid vehicles with Continental's 48-volt technology.
The 48-volt technology from Continental means cars can be driven long distances purely with electric power.
This new hybrid drive from Continental combines an electric motor with integrated power electronics and a battery and develops up to 30 kW.
This is double the output of the previous electric unit, using the same amount of installation space.
Greater safety, convenience and connectivity
In line with “Vision Zero” – the goal of zero-accident mobility, Continental is combining new radar and camera sensors with intelligent data processing in the cloud, which supports improved functions for assistance systems.
For example, Continental is introducing a predictive stability control system that warns the driver before a curve in the road if the vehicle is traveling too fast and automatically brakes, if necessary.
Using data from the cloud, PreviewESC can automatically apply the brakes for better safety.
Continental calls this smart solution eHorizon in combination with the PreviewESC braking function.
Road data is supplied by eHorizon, and PreviewESC compares this with the current vehicle speed.
If the vehicle is traveling too quickly to safely negotiate an upcoming bend, PreviewESC automatically applies the brakes to adjust the speed accordingly.
Windows in the car can be specifically darkened.
