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Continental Unveils Next Generation of Technologies for the 'Seeing' Car That 'Helps' Anticipate Potential Crashes

 --Long-standing safety challenges are now being addressed in ways that will
      bring about dramatic reductions in crashes, injuries and deaths--

    FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental's Automotive
Systems division debuted its newest technologies that help protect the driver
and passengers from injury and crashes during the 61st International Motor
Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.  The equipment builds on the life-saving capabilities
of Electronic Stability Control and could save thousands of lives a year.
    Continental, first to introduce ESC to the mass market, unveiled it latest
advancements in safety technologies that build on the success of Electronic
Stability Control.
    The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety predicted that equipping cars
and SUVs with ESC could reduce by more than 50 percent the risk of involvement
in single vehicle crashes, with the potential to save 7,000 lives a year.
    Similarly, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
estimates that ESC is associated with a 30 percent reduction in fatal single
vehicle crashes for passenger cars, and 63 percent for SUVs.
    Continental sees an opportunity to save thousands of lives per year with
these new advancements that integrate active and passive safety systems and
help the car "anticipate" potential crashes.
    Continental sees this as just a starting point for preventing crashes and
avoiding injuries and fatalities, company engineers said.  Now as other
advancements are added to a vehicle's system there will be still more benefits
and, the company expects all will work together to bring about stunning
advances in personal safety and mobility by providing the vehicle with
electronic "reflexes" that help the car "see" and "anticipate" danger for
effective avoidance of crashes.
    The company indicated that OEMs are looking for ways to further improve
the safety and value of their vehicles.  The company said it intends to help
the manufacturers fulfill their product promises to consumers and meet
regulatory needs.
    The products that we are highlighting at the show will go a long way in
that direction.  Continental indicated that the revolutionary vehicle safety
technology that networks the passive and active safety systems on a vehicle is
ready for manufacturing after only two years after presenting the first
prototype.  Much of what Continental unveiled at the Frankfurt show --
including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality -- will enter
the market this fall on new luxury vehicles.
    In addition to the forward-looking radar of the first prototypes that
integrated active and passive safety that achieved reduced stopping distances
of six to 13 meters, Continental has incorporated new functions that monitor
the side and rear traffic situations for even more safety.  Continental's
latest portfolio of driver assistance systems integrated with the passive
safety systems now include full speed range Active Cruise Control with stop
and go, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping and Lane Change support, and
Active Distance warning.

    Safety enhancements from Continental that consumers will be introduced to
in the 2006 model year include:

    * Adaptive Cruise Control.  Uses radar sensors to control the following
      distance to the vehicles ahead and helps prevent tailgating.  It also
      includes stop-and-go functionality.
    * Lane Departure Warning/Lane Keep Support.  A camera system provides the
      driver with feedback when the vehicle unintentionally drifts into
      another lane.
    * Lane Change Support.  Enhances the Lane Departure Warning with steering
      assistance and monitors the traffic environment at the side and to the
      rear of the vehicle.
    * Enhanced Park Assist.  Uses Continental's Electronic Brake System to
      help drivers parallel park safely.  It also limits driving speed and
      stops at the end of the parking gap.
    * Keyless entry and driver authorization. Enables drivers to unlock their
      vehicle and start the engine without the key.
    * Anti-pinch technology.  Makes power windows safer by avoiding injuries
      to children.  Can also be adapted for power sliding doors, trunk lids
      and tailgates.
    * Electronic ignition and starter switch (EIS).  A central control unit,
      recognizes "its" driver when the driver approaches the vehicle.
    * Seat Control unit.  Holds individual settings, such as distance to the
      steering wheel, head support height, mirror position and seat settings.
    * Active Distance Support.  Supports the driver in the longitudinal
      guidance of a vehicle combining forward distance sensors and driver
      feedback.

    The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of brake systems,
chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In
2004 the corporation realized sales of euro 12.6 billion.  At present it has a
worldwide workforce of more than 81,000.  As a worldwide leading technology
partner to the automotive industry, the Automotive Systems division of
Continental AG integrates extensive know-how in the fields of driving safety,
powertrain and comfort. In 2004 the division achieved sales of approx. euro 5
billion with a workforce of more than 22,500. Automotive Systems incorporates
Continental Teves and Continental Temic. Continental Teves develops and
produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and chassis control
systems, as well as electronic air spring systems and sensors. Continental
Temic is a specialist in chassis electronics, engine management and
transmission control units, as well as electric drives and comfort
electronics.


SOURCE Continental Automotive Systems




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CONTACT:
Jim Gill, M.S., APR of Continental Automotive
Systems, +1-248-393-5210, or cell, +1-248-882-6309, or
jim.gill@usa.contiteves.com