High-Tech Sensor in Demand Worldwide: Continental Produces 60 Millionth "MAPPS" in Dortmund

• The automotive supplier's "magnetic passive position sensor" (MAPPS) is the key element in high-quality systems for gauging the fuel tank level
• The unique sensor is completely corrosion-proof and therefore suitable for all fuel types worldwide, regardless of their composition
• Produced exclusively in Dortmund, the MAPPS is in use all around the globe, primarily in the premium segment

Dortmund, February 21, 2014. The Dortmund location of international automotive supplier Continental is celebrating the major success story of a little hero: It is scarcely longer than a matchstick, as wide as a two-cent piece, and only half a centimeter thick. It is called "MAPPS" and was born in Dortmund in the year 2000. It was back then that production started for the tiny high-tech element that goes by the full name of "magnetic passive position sensor." In the meantime, Continental's plant in the Arminiusstrasse has produced 60 million MAPPS. Used to measure the fuel tank level, this sensor enjoys such great and lasting success thanks to its special properties. The liquid-tight casing encapsulating this one-of-a-kind system renders it completely corrosion-proof – regardless of the composition of the fuel. Conventional open systems, on the other hand, are protected from corrosion by means of special alloys tailored to deal with the respective region's fuel types and the sulfur, ethanol, or methanol content in them. The MAPPS, however, is equally suitable for ALL fuel types and can therefore be used all around the globe. In addition, its hermetic encapsulation also shields the fuel in it from contamination caused by particles or water.

At the same time, the production and development location in Dortmund is Continental's competence center for fuel delivery modules. From here, the Fuel Supply business unit supports its global locations. This includes the development of new manufacturing technologies, running trials on production and testing equipment, training of employees from the international production network, and providing on-site assistance at plants starting up new production lines.