Technology Highlights
Our technological strength is the basis for our success. We are the mobility and material technology group for safe, smart and sustainable solutions. Together with our customers, we are developing the central nervous system of the mobility of the future. Here are a couple of examples of our technologies:
Continental Is Advancing Server-based Vehicle Architectures with Zone Control Units
Continental is successfully driving forward the implementation of server-zone architectures in vehicles. The pioneering development and delivery of High-Performance Computers (HPC) is now followed by so-called Zone Control Units (ZCU), which are another key component for the software-defined vehicle. Zone Control Units reduce vehicle network complexity as well as costs by supporting centralized architectures and the increasing separation of soft- and hardware. Additionally, they are a prerequisite for continuous updates, improvements and function deployment services to support the transformation towards the software-defined vehicle.
“With high-performance computers, we are pioneers in the top control tier of server-based vehicle architectures. With zone control units, we also offer a solution for the middle tier. Our platform-based and modular development approach enables us to start series production within just over a year of receiving an order. This is how we are bringing the software-defined vehicle to the road more speedily,” says Jean-François Tarabbia, Head of the Architecture and Networking business area at Continental.
Find out more about Zone Control Units
More Intelligence with Server-based E/E Architectures
Digitalization opens the door in a world of new functions and services for future mobility. But this is also exponentially increasing the amount of information and data that has to be processed. Current E/E architecture already is coming to its limits. Automotive mega trends such as automated driving, software defined cars or connected mobility require more and more intelligence and computing power. A cornerstone to overcome these challenges is the Continental Body High Performance Computer as the central element of future vehicle E/E architecture. As a central node it allows the necessary data management capabilities for cloud and IoT services.
A Vision Becomes Reality
Autonomous trucks with high-tech power from Continental
Autonomous driving is increasingly within grasp – including in the commercial vehicle sector. What only a few years ago seemed like a distant vision is now taking shape. “For a long time it was just an idea, then it was a plan – now it’s a reality: autonomous trucks,” said CEO Nikolai Setzer at Continental’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in April 2024, summing up the state of affairs. Together with partner Aurora, Continental is steadily driving the development forward and is on course to put the world’s first scalable autonomous truck system on the road by the end of 2027.
Continental Advances Mobility from Road to Cloud
Continental has showcased its comprehensive portfolio of vehicle technologies and innovations at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. During the show, visitors could experience leading-edge solutions aimed at advancing mobility through software-defined vehicle technologies to seamlessly crafted modern displays and autonomous features that transform traditional mobility.
The Invisible Biometrics Sensing Display, a CES 2025 Innovation Award Honoree, combines secure authentication, advanced safety, health, and well-being – all integrated invisibly behind an OLED display. The innovative display, featuring 3D distance mapping for airbag deployment and seatbelt monitoring, as well as contactless biometric sensing for heart rate tracking, offers a range of safety advantages.
Other exciting technologies at CES 2025 include a Window Projection System which transforms the side window into an exterior display. Easy personalization allows the rear window to become a content area for users to display unique images, such as their favorite sports team, as well as charging status and trip information. Inside the vehicle, users can elevate their mobility experience with the Emotional Cockpit, creating an emotional bond between the driver and vehicle with sleek displays integrated in unique Swarovski crystals and a user customizable E Ink decor display.
Electric Cars: Why Manufacturers Rely on Continental Technologies
Electric mobility is inspiring more and more people and experiencing a global breakthrough. And when it comes to electrification, Continental is in the fast lane. This applies to novel drive systems and beyond, with its product spectrum extending from innovative tires to high-performance computers and interactive displays for the connected cockpit to intelligent brake systems and a sophisticated thermal management system. Please find here some examples:
Delivering innovative technologies and products, year after year: a more sustainable future with Continental
Sustainability is deeply embedded in our core values and our corporate strategy. Why? Because sustainable and responsible business practices enhance our ability to innovate and reinforce our viability for the future. We firmly believe that sustainable business is the only path forward.
On this journey toward a more sustainable future, sustainable solutions are crucial for lasting success. But these innovations should not just stay in the showroom; they belong on the road. As a global technology company, we are committed to transforming our ideas into tangible products as swiftly as possible. This is where Continental excels. Drawing on over 150 years of production expertise and a deep culture of innovation, we embrace our responsibility to drive progress and help shape a more sustainable tomorrow. Year after year, we develop innovative technologies that set new standards, while continuously improving our existing products and processes. Here are some of our latest highlights:
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