Germany’s automotive supplier has started its India operations in two major steps. The first is the setting up of a liaison office in Gurgaon near Delhi. This will help Continental expand business with both Indian and international OEMs in the country.

The second is a technical centre to be established in Bangalore. The unit will have more than 60 engineers who will support the needs of leading global automakers in the Indian market place. Continental will be hiring extensively in the coming months, which will push up its number of engineers to more than 200 by 2008.

The technical centre will also support engineering projects all over the world as well as contribute to the growth of the company’s global engineering capacity and balance its worldwide engineering costs. As an initial part of the concept, two independent engineering facilities are being established with local partners in Bangalore.

Presently, its projects focus on software development in domains of telematics, body & security, powertrain & chassis and electric drives. The company’s target products include bluetooth cars kits, embedded phones for cars, window power lifter, central locking systems, engine management systems and controller for hybrid drives.

“India means a lot to Continental. It's a market with huge potential and is growing very rapidly. We also have to support our global customer base in their growth plans for India. We have the right products and systems in the field of active and passive vehicle safety as well as driving dynamics and comfort,” said president, Continental Automotive Systems, Karl-Thomas.