Continental Tianjin’s Second CAP Line Runs into Mass Production

• “EAST” Transmission Control Unit (TCU)  production capacity will be doubled in China
• Committed to serving local customers： Next generation of “EAST” platform will go to the market in 2018

Shanghai/Tianjin, Feb. 13, 2015. Continental, the international automotive supplier announced lately that its second CAP (China Asia Production) line in Tianjin started mass production. The line is dedicated to the production of “EAST” TCU, a customized product for local market from Continental Transmission Business Unit. “Along with the great growth of automotive market in China, the demand of our customized product for Asian markets – ‘EAST’ TCU has been increasing substantially.” said Gregoire Cuny, VP of Continental Transmission Business Unit Asia, “With the new CAP line, we double our production capacity for the EAST’ TCU in China and we will be able to bring this powerful technology to even more local customers.”

Continental brought “EAST” platform to China in 2009. It’s specially designed and developed for local manufacturers, consists of a 32-bit modular architecture which is suitable to control all types of automatic transmissions: step automatic, double clutch, continuously variable and automated manual transmissions.  The platform principle Continental has applied to the complete development phase of “EAST”, ensures the TCU an optimum combination of modern control technology and high cost-efficiency.  Meanwhile, the next generation of “EAST” platform is already under development and is scheduled to go into series production in 2018.  The new generation will be powered with the latest micro-controllers lineup and with functional application software fully developed by Continental. Last but not least, it will meet the highest safety regulations in accordance with ISO standard 26262.

 “We have captured the same trends in China market as in European and American markets,” said Gregoire, “Automatic transmission technology is becoming increasingly popular in China, not only because this technology makes driving easier, but also satisfies the requirement of environmental protection.” With refined transmission software, flexible and compact transmission design, and the application of integrated functionality concept, automatic transmission enables a 3%-6% CO₂ emission reduction.

Since 1998, Continental Transmission Business Unit has made continuous and great investment in China, and has fruited numerous successes. Besides Tianjin location, Transmission Business Unit possesses a large local R&D team in Shanghai which delivers tailored solutions to the Chinese market.