Machine Design Ride and Drive Award Winners Announced
DETROIT, Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Automotive Systems, a
leading supplier of automotive equipment that addresses the safety, comfort
and performance of driving, hosted the announcement of the winners of
Machine Design Magazine's "Smart Car" Ride and Drive at Convergence 2006 in
Detroit today. This was the seventh Ride and Drive event held by the
publication to recognize changing vehicle technology.
The event consisted of sixteen vehicles that followed standard driving
and parking procedures that allowed the drivers to evaluate the quality,
comfort and "driver friendliness" of the emerging technologies. The two key
areas measured were comfort and safety. In the category of Safety and
Security, top honors went to the Mercedes-Benz S550 sedan. In the Highest
IQ category, the Acura RL came out on top. The winner in the Best Value
category was the Mazda CX-7. Finally, a Judge's Choice award went to the
Audi A8 W12 Quattro AT6.
Dean McConnell, Director of Occupant Safety and Driver Assistance
Systems for Continental Automotive Systems North America, addressed those
attending the announcement and stated, "The establishment of this award by
Machine Design is yet another sign of the growing importance of intelligent
vehicle technologies in taking automotive safety, comfort and performance
to new levels. Smarter, safer, more efficient vehicles are here and more
are yet to come. For example, safety technologies are constantly evolving
and the safety products on vehicles driven during the Ride and Drive will
create a fleet of 'smarter cars' that can greatly reduce crashes and help
prevent injuries on highways around the globe." McConnell added, "Several
independent reports have indicated that Intelligent Vehicle Safety such as
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can drastically reduce crash rates and
help save lives. ESC was a breakthrough in terms of what Intelligent
Vehicle Safety can do for reducing crashes and injuries. The vehicles and
the intelligent technologies recognized by Machine Design are helping to
usher in a new era in vehicle safety and performance."
"The Ride and Drive event allowed some of our readers to experience the
technology affecting safety and comfort in many of today's leading
vehicles," Machine Design Editor, Lee Teschler said. "While all the
vehicles driven had similar standard safety items, those that stood out had
desirable features that in the minds of the drivers made for a 'Smart
Car.'" Teschler added, "The most impressive technology was found in
vehicles that could anticipate what was happening before the driver did and
influence the vehicle's performance and avoid a possible crash. It was
truly amazing what a vehicle was capable of doing on behalf of the driver."
As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry,
the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG integrates extensive
know-how and uncompromising quality in the fields of driving safety,
powertrain and comfort. In 2005 the Division achieved sales of approx. EUR
5.2 billion with a workforce of more than 24,000. Continental Automotive
Systems develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and
chassis control systems, electronic air suspension systems, sensors, engine
management and transmission control systems, hybrid drives, cooling fan
modules as well as body and security electronics.
In 2006 Continental Automotive Systems celebrates altogether 100 years
of successful automotive technologies. The slogan "Forward Thinking" points
to the future and the mission to keep pushing for new dimensions in safe
mobility and the joy of driving cars.
Corporate Image and Video Library: http://www.contiautomotive.com .
For additional information, visit our media website
http://www.contitevesna.com/index2.htm .
SOURCE Continental Automotive Systems
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CONTACT:
Jim Gill, Director of Public Relations,
+1-248-393-5210, Cell: +1-248-882-6309,
Jim.Gill@us.contiautomotive.com , or Sue Frederick, Manager of
Communications, +1-248-393-5273, Cell: +1-248-790-7277,
Sue.Frederick@us.contiautomotive.com , both of Continental
Automotive Systems, Fax: +1-248-393-5217
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