This strategic step towards
“In the market, for the market” is also its next step in localising ABS/ESC
after system assembly started in Gurgaon last year.
Continental has been pursuing
a long-term strategy globally towards “Vision Zero” – a future with zero
accidents – through innovations and ongoing improvement of components and
systems making a decisive contribution to greater road safety. In view of its
expertise in active and passive safety systems, the company sees itself as a
key driver in reducing the number of traffic-related fatalities, injuries, and
road accidents through a more widespread use of technologies.
The impending need of safety
features in vehicles, driven primarily by government mandates, will see the ABS
market in India growing exponentially in the near term. Continental is
well-equipped to support this growth. In 2016 Continental set up a line for
localisation of ABS assembly, besides ESC systems, at its existing plant in
Gurgaon. ESC, although yet to be mandated in India, will be next step to
provide more comfort and safety to the driver, and will see an uptake in the
next five years. The production lines are also capable of producing ESC.
Continental is localising the entire value chain starting from marketing to
R&D to design according to local customers’ requirements.
According to Prashanth
Doreswamy, Market Head of Continental India and Managing Director, Continental
Automotive, India, “We have been growing steadily in the Indian market, and
will continue to increase our manufacturing capacity to cater to the growing
demand of the market. Localization is at the core of our strategy for India,
and we are fully equipped with solutions and technologies that aid safe,
efficient and intelligent mobility. Innovative technologies and intelligent
systems are imperative for future mobility in which life is protected and
injuries are prevented.”