Continental Applauds NHTSA ESC Research Results

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 23, 2004; Continental is delighted with the study results released today by NHTSA indicating that Electronic Stability Control reduced single vehicle crashes in passenger cars by 35 percent and SUVs by 67 percent.

This is exactly the message Continental has been saying for the past several years based on several studies abroad, and it is gratifying that NHTSA's research confirms these previous independent results that ESC helps reduce crashes significantly and, in turn, can help save lives.

Continental is pleased to see that the auto industry is already responding to the safety benefits of ESC and installations of this life-saving technology are increasing.

Continental is the leading supplier of this technology and led the national public policy discussion on making this important safety protection available, and in 2005 will supply systems for more than 40 new models.

With 2003 sales of approximately $13 billion (US), Continental AG is a major supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical rubber products. Continental Automotive Systems' North American operation is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. For additional information, visit these websites: http://www.conti-online.com/ and http://www.contitevesna.com/ .