Continental opens new production line in Bangalore

German-technology major Continental today inaugurated its new line for the production and assembly of Electronic Control Units (ECU) for two-wheeler and passenger car Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), in Bangalore. The company says it is betting big on localising and strengthening its commitment for safe mobility.

The new production line is part of its Bangalore Central Electronics Plant, the company’s largest plant in India, which caters to automotive OEMs across India. It says this strategic step towards ‘In the market, for the market’ is also is its next step in localising ABS and ESC after system assembly started in Gurgaon last year.

The company says it has been pursuing a long-term strategy globally towards ‘Vision Zero’ – a future with zero accidents – through innovations and ongoing improvement of components and systems making a decisive contribution to greater road safety.

In view of its expertise in active and passive safety systems, the company sees itself as a key driver in reducing the number of traffic-related fatalities, injuries, and road accidents through a more widespread use of technologies.

It says the impending need of safety features in vehicles is driven primarily by government mandates that will see the ABS market in India grow exponentially in the near term. Continental states it is well-equipped to support this growth. In 2016 it set up a line for localisation of ABS assembly, besides ESC systems, at its existing plant in Gurgaon. The technology major states that ESC, although yet to be mandated in India, will be next step to provide more comfort and safety to the driver, and will see an uptake in the next five years.

The production lines are also capable of producing ESC, and it is localising the entire value chain starting from marketing to R&D to design according to local customers’ requirements.

According to Prashanth Doreswamy, market head of Continental India and managing director, Continental Automotive, India, “We have been growing steadily in the Indian market, and will continue to increase our manufacturing capacity to cater to the growing demand of the market. Localisation is at the core of our strategy for India, and we are fully equipped with solutions and technologies that aid safe, efficient and intelligent mobility. Innovative technologies and intelligent systems are imperative for future mobility in which life is protected and injuries are prevented.”

Harald Lichtinger, Head of Operations BU VED, Continental, “The pace of adoption of safety technologies has accelerated in India, thanks to the growing consumer awareness and a concerted effort by the industry and Government. Continental has successfully partnered with OEMs in other markets like Europe, Americas and China, bringing down fatality rates and shaping automotive industry trends. Our technology, expertise and production capabilities will support a similar mission in India. Our investment will also result in job opportunities through direct and indirect employment.”

The Tier 1 automotive supplier, tire manufacturer and industrial partner operates across India – with over 7,000 employees across 15 locations, including eight plants that cater to the Indian market, and a Technical Centre that supports global R&D.