Technology giant celebrates production landmark as demand surges for advanced safety systems, signaling acceleration toward autonomous driving future
08 May 2025 | 6052 Views | By Angitha Suresh
Continental has announced the production of its 200 millionth radar sensor, cementing its position as a market leader with over 20 percent share in automotive safety technology. The company also revealed it has secured major series orders from various vehicle manufacturers worth approximately €1.5 billion in the first quarter of ...
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Continental has announced the production of its 200 millionth radar sensor, cementing its position as a market leader with over 20 percent share in automotive safety technology. The company also revealed it has secured major series orders from various vehicle manufacturers worth approximately €1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025, with production scheduled to begin in 2026 and 2027.
The milestone highlights the rapid advancement of radar technology in the automotive industry. While it took Continental 22 years to reach 100 million radar sensors produced between 1999 and 2021, the company doubled that number in just four years, reflecting growing demand for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving capabilities.
"The mark of 200 million sensors produced – and the major series orders – emphasize that Continental stands for high-tech engineering, pioneering spirit, and customized technology solutions for every application in the automotive market," said Ismail Dagli, head of Continental's Autonomous Mobility business area.
Radar sensors have become essential components in modern vehicles, with some models now featuring nine or more radars for various safety and comfort functions. These systems support features including adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and cross-traffic alerts, typically working in conjunction with camera, ultrasonic, and LiDAR systems.
Continental's journey in automotive radar began in 1999 when it developed the world's first radar system for cars, integrated into the Mercedes S-Class. That pioneering system, roughly the size of a shoebox and weighing 1.3 kilograms, had a range of 150 meters and was considered remarkable for its time.
Today's radar systems bear little resemblance to those early models. Modern versions are approximately the size of two matchboxes, cost a fraction of the original systems, and incorporate powerful microchips that process signals in real time. The latest sensors can detect objects at distances up to 300 meters with precision that exceeds human capabilities, such as identifying approaching motorcycles during highway lane changes or partially obscured pedestrians in urban settings.
Continental has diversified its radar portfolio to meet various market needs, from high-performance 4D long-range imaging radar for premium vehicles to more affordable front and corner radars for mass-market models. The company develops systems for passenger cars, trucks, and even two-wheelers across global markets.
Founded in 1871, Continental has evolved into a technology company focused on sustainable and connected mobility solutions. The company generated sales of €39.7 billion in 2024 and currently employs approximately 190,000 people across 55 countries and markets.
The rapid growth in radar sensor production reflects the broader industry trend toward increased vehicle safety features and the gradual evolution toward fully autonomous driving systems, where precise and redundant 360-degree environmental monitoring becomes critical.