Continental AG Signs European Road Safety Charter

Objectives: Reduction in the number of traffic fatalities and casualties with implementation of intelligent technology and new projects

Hanover/Brussels, November 26, 2007. Continental AG, the international automotive com­ponents supplier, today signed the European Road Safety Charter. The goal of the Charter is to halve the number of fatalities on the roads of the European Union (EU) by the year 2010, in other words, a reduction to 25,000 from 50,000 in 2004. With the signatures of Continen­tal’s board executive Dr. Hans-Joachim Nikolin and the European Commission Vice Presi­dent, Jacques Barrot, under the Charter, Continental AG commits itself to supporting this initiative.

“For years now Continental has been engaged in the development of intelligent automotive safety systems and in initiation of educational and research projects, including programs aimed at children and young people, all of which is intended to improve European road safety,” underscored Dr. Hans-Joachim at the ceremony in Brussels. “Our signature under the European Road Safety Charter moves us closer to realization of Vision Zero. For us that means making future road traffic even safer.”

Alongside the development and production of intelligent safety systems such as the ESC (Electronic Stability Control), the electronic brake assist system and the LDW (Lane Depar­ture Warning) systems, Continental is also working on additional projects such as PRORETA. Conducted together with the Darmstadt University of Technology, this research program focuses on the development of electronic driver assistance systems that autono­mously trigger braking or steering maneuvers to prevent accidents or mitigate their conse­quences. ContiGuard® represents still another contribution of Continental towards maximum protection for road users. This new, intelligent safety system for vehicles networks all com­ponents of active and passive safety systems and also integrates environmental sensors and telematics functions. The integral anti-lock brake system and specially regulated air-spring systems developed by Continental for motorcycles are likewise instrumental in reducing mo­torcycle accidents.

Safety-relevant criteria such as shorter braking distances and safe steering response when maneuvering around an obstacle are traditionally the focus of new developments and re­search activities in the corporation’s tire divisions. Control systems that warn drivers of dan­gerous drops in air inflation pressure have long been staples in what Continental offers vehi­cle manufacturers.

“Train the Trainer” is a yearly program initiated in cooperation with the German Automobile Club (ADAC). 30 trainers are given the opportunity to participate in advanced training with modern driver assistance systems for enhanced safety and comfort. In cooperation with the Lower Saxony Traffic Control Watch, the Leibniz University Hannover and the Braunschweig/ Wolfenbüttel University of Applied Sciences, Continental AG has also developed an internet-based “School Route Planner” that enables parents to individually map out the safest route to school for their children, especially for first graders. This project is currently available for all of Lower Saxony. It will be available throughout Germany at the start of 2008.

In 2005 there were 41,600 traffic fatalities on the roads of the European Union and some 1.9 million injuries. Traffic accidents are the most common cause of hospitalization through age 55. The impact of traffic accidents on the national economies of the EU countries is pegged at €200 billion, or approximately 2% of the Gross National Product in the EU. In 2006, the number of traffic fatalities dropped 2,400 to 39,200.

The EU Vice President Jacques Barrot welcomed the commitment of Continental AG. “We are very happy about every signature of the Charter. Each signatory shows a clear commit­ment and serious contribution to road safety. By combining our efforts, everyone in the Euro­pean Union can make real progress towards the end objective of reducing casualties.”

The Continental Corporation is a leading automotive supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In 2006 the corporation realized sales of €14.9 billion. At present it has a worldwide workforce of around 89,000.

More information about the European Road Safety Charter you can find under the following Internet page: http://www.paueducation.com/charter/index.php?lng=en

Source: Continental AG

Bookmark/Search this post with:

 •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •