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• The driver’s workplace in the bus becomes clearer, more individual and more attractive
• The modular concept uses digital displays and electronic switch panels
• EBSF-compliant design (EBSF = European Bus System of the Future) provides more flexibility for manufacturers and operators, opening up new possibilities

Villingen-Schwenningen, 5. Juli 2018. Electronic switch panels instead of mechanical switches, clear displays instead of analog screens: With its modular driver workplace (mDWP), Continental has brought the digital age to the bus cockpit. In city and intercity buses, the mDWP makes the daily work of bus drivers more ergonomic, more comfortable and safer, fleet operators can operate more flexibly and vehicle manufacturers can stock fewer parts. “Digitalization concepts and thinking in systems are core competencies of Continental,” says Dr. Michael Ruf, Head of the Business Unit Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket at Continental. “We have succeeded in bringing the driver’s workplace into a new digital dimension. This benefits drivers and manufacturers alike.”

The special feature of the modular driver’s workplace is the combination of up to three displays with two freely configurable control panels. As a central unit, the fully programmable 12.3-inch TFT display (MultiViu Professional 12) displays various combination instruments and information such as camera images in its basic configuration. It is supplemented by control panels to the right and left of the steering wheel, making the relevant information and the most important controls easy to see. The driver benefits from this concept because only the information that he really needs is displayed, in his native language too, if requested. This avoids unnecessary distractions and allows the driver to fully focus on the ever-increasing volume of road traffic.

“With our new concept, we’re opening a new chapter in the history of the driver’s workplace and we have placed people at the heart of all our deliberations,” says Michael Glunk, Program Manager for the modular driver’s workplace at Continental. “In terms of flexibility and customization, the mDWP represents a major step forward for drivers, fleet operators and manufacturers.” Thanks to the modular design, manufacturers can freely arrange the control panels and displays, adapting the system to match the special requirements of their customers and to the future type of operation of the buses, without having to keep additional components in stock.

The control panels are connected via CAN bus and are freely programmable. This makes the system universally usable. Despite this flexibility, the workplace still complies with the EBSF standard (The European Bus System of the Future) by the International Association of Public Transport UITP and meets VDV requirements (VDV = Association of German Transport Companies). Thanks to the robust design of all its components, the mDWP also proves itself in tough everyday bus use. “As a technology company, Continental is broadly positioned, so we are able to develop a comprehensive system from many different components and that offers great added value for the vehicle manufacturer,” says Dr. Michael Ruf.

If additional switches, displays or additional devices are needed, two additional displays can be connected to the workplace. The vehicle manufacturer can individually program all the modules according to the wishes of his customers and can also easily change from left-hand to right-hand drive. If the bus has to go on tour for another purpose, the control panels can easily be equipped with new icons and reprogrammed. This is an advantage that cannot easily be achieved with mechanical switches – and yet another benefit for fleet operators.

Another advantage of the modular driver’s workplace: It has either a memory or a PowerOn function. The next time the engine is started up, for example, switches and displays are at the same settings as when leaving the bus – or in a basic (home) position, even if a cleaning team has meanwhile wiped the modules. Manufacturers who want to offer their customers an additional design option can also immerse the switches and the background lighting of the modular driver’s workplace in a color-matching, ambient light.

You’ll find more information about the modular driver’s workplace, plus a video that clearly shows how it works in practice at this address: https://www.continental-automotive.com/mdwp