Our view goes on tyres and beyond

Our business is much more than just tyres. Ever since our company was established in the year 1871, we have worked on making the transport of people and goods safer and more efficient. Our innovative vision has remained unchanged over the decades. With vehicles becoming ever more intelligent, we combine our expertise in autonomous mobility and safety and vehicle networking to turn data and synergies into an improved driving experience.

New technologies developed by our research department include radars, sensors and connectivity systems that help to increase the safety for everyone on the road. As all systems, such as the automated braking function, are interconnected, they can only deliver the best performance when the car is fitted with the best tyres. Innovative charging solutions for electric cars and hybrid drivetrains make your vehicles fit for the mobility of the future. Safety is our top priority, from the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, the tyre, and beyond.

Innovating the future: megatrends in mobility

No driver? No worries: Autonomous driving

Brake assistants, lane-keeping systems and automatic parking are just the beginning. The next couple of years will see cars increasingly taking over functions from the driver - a revolution driven forward by our specialists who develop sensor technologies and high-performance computer systems that can link cars with each other and thereby form networks. Cars can already park and cruise along the highway autonomously.

One of our main objectives is to achieve our Vision Zero: In three steps, we strive for a future without road fatalities, without injuries, and ultimately without accidents. The car is still the number hazard – but intelligent sensors and technologies allow us to change that.

Autonomous car interior concept. Front seats turned around and passengers can relaxing or working when they driving. 3D rendering image.

The electrification of traffic: E-mobility

Our vision "Clear Power" already offers numerous components for hybrid and electric vehicles. All are geared towards making driving not only more environmentally friendly, but also more affordable. One of the highlights is our 48-volt technology for hybrid cars, which is proven to reduce fuel consumption by 21 percent. And our AllCharge module makes electric cars truly fit for the road as it allows drivers to charge their car's battery wirelessly. In China, entire mid-range car fleets are equipped with electric drives from Continental. And we even upgrade diesel cars. With our Super Clean Electrified models, combustion engine emission of nitrogen oxide can be reduced by 60%.

Anticipating danger: Safety

Autonomous and networked cars must continue to protect passengers. We have developed systems that can recognise traffic lights, zebra crossings, pedestrians, sidewalks and traffic signs. They can interpret the situation on the road and act accordingly, even in the busiest traffic. With the help of cameras in the side mirrors, radiator grille and rear, our sensors detect possible hazards - such as aquaplaning in the rain -, calculate the optimum speed and inform the driver. Best of all, our V2X communication alerts cars in the vicinity to the hazard. And the system detects far more than just wet roads: Even in snow and ice, our "Road Condition Observer" won't let you down.

White SUV in one-way street detected vehicle in the blind spot. Connected car concept. 3D rendering image.

Communication is key: Digitalisation

Communication is key: Digitalisation

Modern infotainment in the car is more than just the fancy presentation of essential data and information. We are working on the integrated man-machine dialogue. Powerful multi-core processors and high-resolution displays ensure that important information is clearly presented to the driver. HTML5 and Android apps can also be downloaded via the system and are kept up-to-date via the Internet connection. As always, safety comes first. That is why we take the security of our IT systems into account from the very first day of development. They are inherently protected against cyber attacks and security programs constantly check the network inside and the communication outside the car for anomalies.

Connected cars and autonomous cars concept. 3D rendering image.

Clean solutions, cleaner future: Sustainability

For us, sustainable corporate management begins with the corporate structure: Our Sustainability Council ensures that human rights and laws are observed throughout our entire supply chain. All our employees, suppliers and business partners must abide by a Code of Conduct. New suppliers are vetted thoroughly. This integrated approach helps automobile manufacturers bring more environmentally friendly vehicles to the market. For us, sustainable value creation also means efficiency in our use of energy and resources. This is why we have set ourselves ambitious goals: By 2025, we will have phased-out coal and fuel oil for onsite steam generation used in our tyre production sites worldwide. And by 2030, our flagship tyre products will be made of 60 percent sustainable materials.