Technology company Continental has announced changes in engineering leadership for its ADAS and VED business units (BU) in their in-house R&D facility Technical Center India (TCI). Praveen Kumar takes over as the Head of Engineering, VED BU and Jaidev Venkataraman takes over as the Head of Engineering - Sensorics, ADAS BU. They both have interchanged their respective roles.

Continental is at the forefront of developing safety-critical technologies. Praveen Kumar and Jaidev Venkataraman, with extensive R&D experience in ADAS and VED technologies, respectively, will play a critical role in enabling the holistic development of safety technologies from TCI for both global and local markets.

Commenting on the leadership changes, Latha Chembrakalam, who recently took over as Head of Technical Center India, said, “The cross-move of both Praveen and Jaidev will further strengthen Continental’s competence in developing advance and sophisticated safety technologies. Jaidev and Praveen have contributed immensely to their previous roles, enabling rapid and qualitative growth of the business units."

She added, "Under their leadership, several global programs were successfully deployed, and many product innovations were achieved. For example, Praveen was instrumental in developing long range radar for premium passenger cars of Japanese OEMs, camera fusion systems, and vision perception solutions for the front facing camera. While Jaidev was responsible for motorcycle ABS application for Asia hub and establishing software development hub for global OEMs. In their new roles, I am confident that their diverse perspectives and expertise will contribute exceptionally to R&D practices from India.” 

Praveen Kumar, Head of Engineering, VED BU, Continental Automotive India, said, “VED business is crucial to Continental’s growth in India. Driven by government legislation and consumer awareness, safety products like ABS and ESC are in great demand in the country. I am excited for this next chapter in my career and look forward to continuing to contribute to Continental’s Vision Zero.”

“Assisted and automated driving is one of the primary growth areas for Continental. We’re developing these technologies with a view to zero crashes and zero fatalities on roads. Further, in the coming years, we expect mandates pertaining to ADAS technologies in India, which will be instrumental in driving the demand and enhancing safety standards. Continental is completely poised to fulfill these upcoming demands, and I look forward to contributing to the growing ADAS business in India.” said Jaidev Venkataraman, Head of Engineering - Sensorics, ADAS BU, Continental Automotive India. 

Continental’s strong focus on localisation 
With the ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, Continental is localising the entire value chain from R&D to design to production according to local customers’ requirements. For instance, the one-channel ABS for smaller motorcycles and scooters, based on Continental‘s proven ABS technology for passenger cars, was developed especially for cost-sensitive markets such as Asia.

Continental produces ECUs for passenger cars,  Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), at its Bangalore plant. 

Apart from supplying to the local market, the company also exports VED components from India to South-East Asia and markets in the ASEAN region. Similarly, Continental has made significant contributions to enhance ADAS expertise in India. For instance, Continental’s TCI is one of the company’s most significant engineering locations for the ADAS business unit. Continental’s engineering team in India is working on many advanced ADAS technologies for both developed and emerging markets. 

The company, which is celebrating its 150^th anniversary, has been present in India for close to 50 years through technology partnerships (Continental Tires since 1974) and joint ventures for its various businesses. Today, the tier 1 automotive supplier, tyre manufacturer, and industrial partner operate across India – with about 8,000 employees across 13 locations, including eight plants that cater to the Indian market and a technical centre that supports Continental's global R&D activities.