Continental Expands Local Production Capacities for Connectivity and Body Electronics in India
Continental, a leading technology company, is rapidly scaling its research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities in India to meet the growing demand for connected technologies such as body electronics, 4G/5G technologies, and GPS systems. With a focus on localization, Continental is working closely with local original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide tailor-made solutions. This expansion will not only lead to increased production volume but also boost the company’s exports to other regions like Europe, East Asia, and ASEAN markets.
Understanding the Evolving Needs of Customers
Jean-Francois Tarabbia, Head of Architecture and Networking business area at Continental Automotive, emphasized the importance of the Indian market for the company. He stated that as the demand for the latest technologies and features continues to rise globally, it is crucial for Tier I manufacturers like Continental to collaborate with local OEMs to understand the ever-evolving needs of customers. With a strong R&D presence in India, Continental is well-positioned to cater to the needs of the global market and sees immense potential for business expansion in India.
Prashanth Doreswamy, President and CEO of Continental India, expressed optimism about the growth of connected vehicle technologies in India. He highlighted that all the latest passenger car launches in India feature connected technologies, which have become a selling point. This trend has motivated Continental to introduce sophisticated and highly intelligent technologies in the market. With strong competencies in R&D and local manufacturing, Continental has a competitive advantage in delivering affordable solutions with high functionality. India is leading by example in embracing technological shifts.
Expanding Production Capacities for Connectivity and Body Electronics
As vehicle architecture evolves, Continental is continuously evaluating the demand for its products and investing in localization accordingly. This effort will result in a substantial increase in capacity and production volume for connectivity and body electronics products. The company aims to produce over 1 million units of connectivity-related products with its expanded manufacturing line.
Darshan Shetty, from the Architecture and Networking business area at Continental Automotive India, emphasized the significance of the Indian market for the company. He stated that Continental has been constantly innovating technologies and products to serve the needs of the local market. The localization efforts will enable Continental to offer globally proven technologies at an affordable price. By incorporating smart manufacturing practices, Continental aims to achieve superior manufacturing standards while leveraging its skilled workforce.
Technology Competence and Safety
Within the Architecture and Networking (AN) business area, Continental provides comprehensive systems, software, services, and end-to-end solutions for networked mobility in vehicles and beyond. The company’s strategy of Connect.Inform.Integrate focuses on technologies that connect vehicles with the cloud, other vehicles, pedestrians, and infrastructure. Continental also offers intelligent fleet management solutions.
Continental is at the forefront of developing platforms capable of self-upgrades, adaptable to both 4G and 5G. This strategic approach ensures that the company’s product offerings align seamlessly with future market requirements. Continental’s core emphasis lies in enhancing connectivity trends to advance the future of mobility while producing state-of-the-art technology.
With customers demanding vehicles equipped with the latest connected technologies, collaboration between automotive manufacturers and OEMs has become increasingly important. Connectivity products like Telematics and body electronic products will transform the overall driving experience. By sharing safety-critical data between the infrastructure and nearby automobiles, connected technologies also contribute to advancing Vision Zero – a future with Zero Fatalities, Zero Injuries, Zero Crashes, ultimately reducing the frequency of accidents and casualties.
Smart Manufacturing for Smart Solutions
The latest production line for connected technologies incorporates various aspects of smart manufacturing techniques to enhance production capabilities and operational efficiency. It is a fully automated production line utilizing robotic machinery to handle critical processes. This line integrates Industry 4.0 applications like Manufacturing Execution System (MES), Digital Twin, and Digital 3D work instructions for operators, ensuring 100 percent traceability. The modular design of the production line offers scalability for future expansions, enhancing capacity.
About Continental
Continental is a technology company that develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility. Founded in 1871, the company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2022, Continental generated sales of 39.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets.
Continental has been present in India for close to 50 years through technology partnerships and joint ventures. With about 9,000 employees across 12 locations, including seven plants catering to the Indian market and a Technical Centre supporting global R&D activities, Continental is committed to serving the Indian market and embracing technological advancements.
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