Continental to Showcase Today's Driving Safety Solutions

    PONTIAC, Mich., July 16 Automotive chassis systems
supplier Continental will give vehicle manufacturers and journalists an
opportunity this week to learn more about and actually test drive some of the
latest technology that will help shape the future of auto safety.
    The glimpse of the future will take place July 16-20 at the Pontiac
Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan.  The demonstration is being sponsored by
Continental, a major brake, tire and chassis system supplier to the motor
vehicle industry.  Experts from Continental will be on hand to highlight key
safety features of the company's Global Chassis Control Strategy.
    Continental Teves N.A. division, vice president sales and marketing Jeff
Klei said, "We know that simply making new safety technology available does
not automatically translate into fewer injuries and fatalities to motor
vehicle occupants.  And, it's not enough to merely say, 'safety sells.'  We
believe that safety should be standard, not an option, and we have an
obligation to help consumers understand their vehicle's safety features so
they can use them to best advantage."
    Klei explained that the Driving Safety Solutions test drive and exhibit is
part of a long-standing public education commitment by the company.  Last
year, a similar test drive was held in Atlanta at the annual Lifesavers
national highway safety meeting.  It enabled state and community safety
officials from around the country to experience the latest technology, such as
driving a car with and without Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that helps
prevent out-of-control situations and rollovers, by helping the driver to
correct them.
    "ESP works like an invisible co-pilot that intuitively knows when you've
lost control of your vehicle, and then comes to your aid.  It was featured
very favorably in a segment last December on ABC-TV's Primetime, and
increasingly is available in production vehicles.  Once you try ESP, it will
become 'must have' safety equipment," Klei said.
    "A few years ago, a description of ESP sounded like science fiction.  An
electronic device that realizes that the car is not going where the driver is
steering it?  That detects a skid as soon as it begins, and helps the driver
correct it?  Regardless of whether the road is wet, icy, or dry?  Almost
sounds too good to be true, but that's exactly what ESP does," he said.
    Klei explained the company believes the future of auto safety is to view
motor vehicles as having a "nervous system" that connects various components
to detect problems and transmit information that will enable a faster and more
effective reaction by the driver.
    "Historically, auto safety is discussed mostly in a single dimension --
protecting people when a crash occurs.  But that's an incomplete approach.
There should be more attention devoted to preventing crashes altogether by
helping drivers maintain control when a potentially dangerous situation
occurs," Klei said.
    "That demands that we consider safety as an integrated system-avoidance to
keep the driver out of trouble in the first place; control when trouble
begins; and protection when a crash is unavoidable."
    In addition to ESP, among the safety technologies exhibited will be:
    *  Antilock brakes - prevent lock-up and skidding in emergency braking.
    *  Traction Control - better traction for improved handling and stability.
    *  30-Meter Car - stops 20 percent faster than average cars today.
    *  Intelligent Tire - uses the tire sidewall to transmit information from
the road for better performance and safety.
    *  Brake-by-Wire - next generation of automotive braking systems.
    *  Electronic Suspension System - improves stability.
    *  Conti Safety Ring - extending mobility with a new concept in run-flat.
    *  Tire Pressure Monitoring System - detects abnormal reduction of
inflation pressure.
    *  Adjustable Pedal - improves safety and comfort by adjusting the
position of the pedals to the stature of the driver.
    *  Adaptive Cruise Control - adjusts the speed of the vehicle to the flow
of surrounding traffic.

    The company's Transparent Car also will be on display, making visible
normally hidden safety systems in today's motor vehicles, and the Drive Safer
America! mobile exhibit that tours the country to educate consumers.  It
includes an advanced simulator ride that demonstrates how ESP and ABS perform
to give drivers more control and help avoid accidents.
    Klei commented that the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability
and Documentation (TREAD) Act requires the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) to develop several new safety standards for motor
vehicles, including upgrading its tire standards, a dynamic test for rollover,
and a requirement for low tire pressure warning.
    The agency also has a new consumer information program that rates vehicles
on their likelihood of rolling over, and a pending one dealing with rating
vehicles for their stopping distances.
    "Because safety systems to make driving more enjoyable and safer is our
core business, we stand ready today to help the motor vehicle manufacturers
meet any of the new federal TREAD or consumer information requirements," Klei
said.  "In fact, we were researching or in production on relevant safety
solutions long before the TREAD Act was even contemplated."
    "But ultimately, drivers must understand the safety enhancement,
appreciate its value, and know how to use it correctly.  So, as new
technologies enter the fleet, we intend to continue working with motor vehicle
manufacturers, NHTSA, and other safety groups to see that the public is
educated," he said.
    Continental Teves, headquartered in Frankfurt/Main Germany, is a unit of
Continental AG, Hanover, Germany.  With 2000 sales of $9.3 billion (US),
Continental is a world leader in the design, development and supply of
critical brake and chassis systems that contribute to driving safety and
comfort.  Continental Teves' North American component is headquartered in
Auburn Hills, MI.   For additional information visit these websites:
http://www.conti-online.com and http://www.drivesaferamerica.org