EICMA 2019: Continental and Vitesco Technologies unveil a broad range of new motorcycle models

• Cloud-based services, Connected Services solutions, flexible camera system, multifunctional engine control, and tires for all types of terrain
• Continental and the independent Powertrain Division share a booth in Hall 9 (Booth 068)

Frankfurt/Korbach/Regensburg/Villingen-Schwenningen, November 5, 2019. For the first time this year, two company names can be seen at the Continental stand of Milan's EICMA, the world's most important motorcycle trade fair: The previous Powertrain Division, which was spun off as part of the Group' s organizational restructuring, is now called Vitesco Technologies; the other divisions will continue to operate under the name Continental. What has not changed, however, is the broad range of pioneering products the technology group offers in the two-wheel sector. The innovations presented in Milan include cloud-based services and easy-to-implement connected services solutions, as well as a flexible camera system, multifunctional engine controls and motorcycle tires for all types of terrain.

Like Continental Powertrain, Vitesco Technologies offers a broad portfolio of innovative products in the field of two-wheel and powersports, ranging from engine control systems and a variety of sensors and actuators to fuel and exhaust management systems. The solutions are tailored to the specific requirements of the individual markets and meet the latest emission standards such as Euro 5 (starting January 2020), China 4 including on-board diagnostics (OBD, since July 2019) and Bharat 6 including OBD (starting April 2020 in India). In addition, Vitesco Technologies is intensively involved in electric drives for two-wheelers, benefiting from comprehensive know-how gained in the passenger car sector, where Continental has long been a pioneer in drive electrification.

Initially, the focus here will be on the Asian markets. For this reason, the first step consisted in developing a drive system capable of replacing combustion engines with an engine displacement of up to 150 cc: a 48-volt machine complete with associated electronics, which will soon begin serial production.

Vitesco Technologies' EICMA innovations will focus on the latest generation of engine control systems for single-cylinder gasoline engines with an engine displacement of 50 to 250 cc – again with a clear focus on Asia. In this "Air Module Engine Control Unit," all the essential components for controlling the combustion engine are integrated in the throttle valve housing. Since gasoline injection is becoming the standard in Asian markets due to stricter emission standards, Vitesco Technologies has tailor-made products for these markets in its portfolio: the M4L engine control system, which has already gone into series production in China, and the M4A and M4B, which will celebrate their market premiere in India in 2020. The systems are extremely compact and robust, and set standards in terms of price/performance ratio - and their microprocessor brings the potential for new functionalities on board. So the M4L module has been further enhanced and made Bluetooth compatible. With the help of an app developed by Vitesco Technologies, the driver can display the average speed or average consumption using a smartphone, but can also read out the DTC memory of the in-vehicle diagnostic system. Keyless Go and Key-Sharing are also available in the new M4L_BLE version. The other M4 versions provide even more advanced capacities. For example, the M4A can be integrated into a CAN communication, and the functional flagship M4B can use an additional sensor to detect when the motorcycle falls to its side and switch off the fuel supply. At the same time as developing tailor-made two-wheeler technologies for the Asian markets, Vitesco Technologies also greatly expanded production capacities for these systems in China, India and Thailand.

Continental is also presenting a new development for modern driver assistance systems ARAS™ at the EICMA: the first camera system for two-wheelers that works with a satellite camera.

The system consists of a satellite camera with complete dust and splash protection (DIN 40050 IP6K9K) in combination with a scalable, powerful control unit (ADCU), which is able to handle additional ARAS™ functions. This "2-box solution" with its very small camera that can be easily integrated into the front of the vehicle and an extremely compact control unit that can be installed under the seat, for instance, offers the vehicle manufacturer maximum flexibility. This also applies to the functionality. This is because the system is designed to later merge camera technology with radar technology, which is already used in various ARAS™ functions.

Many motorcyclists mount their smartphones in the cockpit to use navigation services. However, depending on the incidence of light, the mobile phone is difficult to read, often covers some of the instruments, is usually not waterproof and is generally ready for scrapping if it comes loose. In Milan, Continental is presenting a Connected Services solution where a smartphone can be left in the pocket because it only serves to establish the connection between the motorcycle and the services hosted in the Continental.cloud. The information will then appear directly on the cockpit instrument display. The Connected Services offering is bundled in an app developed by Continental, into which both specific motorcycle manufacturer services and third-party services such as turn-by-turn navigation or music players may be integrated. Continental acts as a one-stop shop for the OEMs, who also offer MultiViu® Sports Plus, a scalable instrument development platform with TFT display in their portfolio.