Regensburg, Germany, March 14, 2013: Global automotive supplier Continental recently held its first Supplier Innovation Day. Twenty selected suppliers took part in a trade fair to showcase their latest ideas and technologies to technical experts and managers from every automotive division in the Continental Group.
"We're aiming for even closer collaboration with our key suppliers," said Helmut Matschi, a member of Continental AG's Executive Board, at the official opening, adding: "In the automotive sector in particular, creative talent is now a vitally important criterion along the entire added-value chain. Knowing how to exploit your potential is the key to making that decisive step forward."
Close dialog with suppliers delivers both value and inspiration
In an environment characterised by rapid change, the time factor becomes increasingly important when it comes to introducing new technologies and applications. Continental's Supplier Innovation Day aims to develop closer links with the Group's suppliers, to bring technology and customer expectations together even more quickly in the form of innovative products and services.
"We want to turn ideas even more rapidly into even better products. A comprehensive collaborative relationship with our suppliers based on mutual trust can play an outstandingly important role in achieving this," said Günter Fella, the Automotive Group's Head of Purchasing.
In preparation for this in-house innovation day, the highest performing of Continental's 800 core suppliers were invited to submit their designs and product developments. Eighy-six ideas were shortlisted from 25 suppliers, 20 of which were eventually invited to attend. The main focus during the initial selection process was on including a representative spectrum from all the materials supply sectors. Continental opted for a trade fair format so as to provide the broadest possible basis for the exchange of ideas between Continental's own experts and the exhibitors. In addition to the stands, the 900 square meters of exhibition space included two forums for presentations and discussion sessions. Around 800 developers, buyers, and innovation and quality managers from Continental's sites in Germany and elsewhere in Europe made the journey to this premium event held at Continental's Regensburg plant. Over the coming months, the visiting experts and the Supplier Innovation Day management team will be evaluating the innovations demonstrated at the exhibition. The most promising ideas will be systematically followed up.
The following companies exhibited their products and services at the Supplier Innovation Day: AT&S (printed circuit boards), Bertrandt (engineering services), DSM (plastic raw materials), EPT (plug connectors), Infineon (semiconductor components), Kern+Liebers (punching and forming), LG Innotec (electronic components), LTH (aluminum die casting), MEKTEC (flexible printed circuit boards), Murata (electronic components), NXP Semiconductor (semiconductor components), Schweizer (printed circuit boards), SFS Intec (forming, machining), Soehner (electromechanical components), ST Microelectronics (semiconductor components), Swoboda (electromechanical components), Tektronix (measuring equipment), Tripod (printed circuit boards), Texas Instruments (semiconductor components), Unitech (printed circuit boards).
Continental factfile
With preliminary sales of €32.7 billion in 2012, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires, and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently has approximately 170,000 employees in 46 countries.
The Automotive Group with its three divisions Chassis & Safety (sales of approximately €7,0 billion in 2012, 34.5000 employees), Powertrain (sales of approximately €6,1 billion in 2012, 31,000 employees) and Interior (sales of approximately €6.4 billion in 2012, 33,000 employees) achieved sales of approximately €19,5 billion in 2012. The Automotive Group is present in more than 170 locations worldwide. It develops and produces innovative products and systems for a modern automotive future, in which cars provide individual mobility and driving pleasure consistent with driving safety, environmental responsibility and cost-efficiency.
Photograph: Helmut Matschi, member of Continental AG's Executive Board, in discussion with exhibitors and looking at an exhibit.