Continental's Automotive Systems division has introduced manufacturing-ready technologies that integrate active and passive safety systems to help cars anticipate potential crashes.
The technologies, based on electronic stability control, are planned for rollout on new luxury vehicles this fall. The firm’s safety portfolio includes full-speed range active cruise control with stop and go, lane departure warning, lane keeping and lane change support, and active distance warning.
In addition to stop-and-go functionality, Continental’s cruise control system uses radar sensors to help prevent tailgating by controlling the following distance to the vehicles ahead. Lane departure warning and lane keep support systems use a camera to provide the driver with feedback when the vehicle unintentionally drifts into another lane. Lane change support technology enhances the lane departure warning system with steering assistance and also monitors the traffic environment at the side and to the rear of the vehicle.
Other technologies include enhanced park assist, keyless entry and driver authorization, “anti-pinch,” electronic ignition and starter switch, seat control, and active distance support. Enhanced park uses Continental's electronic brake system to help drivers parallel park safely. The feature also limits driving speed and stops at the end of the parking gap. Anti-pinch technology helps avoid injuries to children caused by power windows, sliding doors, trunk lids and tailgates. Active distance combines forward distance sensors and driver feedback.