Dr. Christoph Falk-Gierlinger (47) will start as the new Managing Director of Continental Engineering Services on July 1, 2020.

The mechatronics engineer, who also holds a doctorate in computer sciences, succeeds Bernd Neitzel, who is retiring after more than 14 years at the helm of the development service provider and after a total of 37 years with Continental.

Dr Falk-Gierlinger has many years of experience in the automotive supply industry. The 47-year-old joins Continental after working for engineering service provider Alten. He began his career in 1998 at Bosch, where he held various management positions in Vienna and Stuttgart. After a two-year stint at the French automotive supplier Valeo in Paris, he returned to Stuttgart in 2013 to join MBtech. The new managing director brings extensive experience in software development, drive technologies and electromobility to Continental Engineering Services.

"We are very pleased to welcome Christoph Falk-Gierlinger as Managing Director of Continental Engineering Services, thus continuing the successful work of his predecessor Bernd Neitzel," said Dr. Dirk Abendroth, Chief Technology Officer Automotive at Continental, commenting on the change in management. "As the new Managing Director, he is taking over a company that is optimally positioned both technologically and financially and will be able to further expand a unique competitive position: With the entire technology pool of the Continental parent company behind him, coupled with the creativity and agility of small engineering teams, Continental Engineering Services has established itself as a sought-after innovation partner for individual, tailor-made solutions for the mobility of the future. Christoph Falk-Gierlinger will continue to advance the company with his expertise in alternative drives, driver assistance systems, electromobility and networking, particularly in the central areas of automated driving, connectivity and electrification. In addition, diversification into new industries will also expand the global footprint.”

Think tank and manufacturer for customised innovations
Continental Engineering Services develops solutions for automotive applications from scratch or adapts proven high-volume technologies for small series, niche and special vehicles. In addition, the transfer of automotive technologies is becoming increasingly important in sectors such as agriculture, medical technology, construction machinery, railways, aviation, aerospace and shipping.

With more than 1,500 engineers and strong expertise in the areas of driver assistance, braking systems, automotive electronics, electric and conventional drives the development specialists cover all vehicle areas that make future-oriented mobility concepts safe, sustainable and comfortable.

Mechanical parts, complex control units, sample and spare parts and fully tested series parts are manufactured in small quantities in the in-house manufacture and small series production in Karben. This enables Continental Engineering Services to react quickly and pragmatically to new challenges, market influences and customer requirements, covering the entire product development process - from consulting and concept studies to the production of prototypes and small series. The comprehensive software and systems know-how of the development specialists plays a central role in this, enabling the integration of in-house and third-party solutions into increasingly complex vehicle architectures.

With the Continental subsidiary having access to the parent company's comprehensive portfolio of sensors, actuators, control units, communication and network technologies reduces development costs.