Continental ramps up manufacturing in India for connected vehicle technologies

  • Industry News
  • Nov 08,23
Germany’s Continental expands local production capacities for connectivity and body electronics in tune with growing demand in the country, paving the way for future growth. It is also incorporating smart manufacturing practices to achieve superior production standards while leveraging its skilled workforce.
Continental ramps up manufacturing in India for connected vehicle technologies

Bengaluru

Germany-based technology company Continental is rapidly scaling up its R&D and manufacturing in India for connected technologies such as body electronics, 4G/5G technologies, and GPS systems to meet the growing demand in the region. With the company’s core focus on localisation, Continental is keenly working with the local OEMs to provide tailor-made solutions. As the volume of production will significantly rise, this will also lead to a surge in the company’s share of exports to other regions such as European, East Asian, and ASEAN markets.  

Jean-François Tarabbia, Head of Architecture and Networking business area, Continental Automotive, elaborated, “India is an important market for Continental and we continue to expand our business for connected technologies in the country. As the demand for the latest technologies and features is significantly increasing globally, it has become important for Tier I manufacturers like us to work closely with the local OEMs to understand the ever-evolving needs of the customers. With our strong R&D presence in India, we cater to the needs of the global market. We, therefore, see immense potential for business expansion in India.”  

Prashanth Doreswamy, President and CEO, Continental India, said, “We are bullish about the growth of connected vehicle technologies in India and all the latest passenger car launches feature connected technologies in some form or other. In India, especially these technologies have become a selling point. This trend has given us a new purpose to introduce some of the most sophisticated and highly intelligent technologies in the market. With our strong competencies in both R&D and local manufacturing, we have a competitive advantage in delivering affordable solutions with high functionality. India is leading by example in becoming a turf for embracing technological shifts.” 

As the vehicle architecture is evolving, Continental continues to evaluate the demand for the products to accordingly invest in localisation. The efforts will result in a substantial increase in the capacity and production volume for connectivity and body electronics products. With a focus on expanding in these critical fields, the company can produce more than 1 million units of connectivity-related products with this manufacturing line. 

Darshan Shetty, Architecture and Networking business area, Continental Automotive India, stated, “The Indian market holds significant importance for us and we have been constantly innovating technologies and products that serve the needs of the local market. With the expansion of the production area, we continue to augment our localisation efforts in the country. The localisation will further help us to offer globally proven technologies at an affordable price. By incorporating smart manufacturing practices, we aim to achieve superior manufacturing standards while leveraging our skilled workforce.” 

Within the Architecture and Networking (AN) business area, Continental provides comprehensive systems, software, services, and end-to-end solutions for networked mobility in vehicles and beyond. The company innovatively adheres to the strategy of “Connect.Inform.Integrate,” focusing on technologies that connect vehicles with the cloud, other vehicles, pedestrians, and infrastructure. The company also offers intelligent fleet management solutions. 

Continental is at the forefront in developing platforms capable of self-upgrades, not limited to 4G but adaptable to 5G. This strategic approach ensures product offerings that resonate with future market requirements, aligning seamlessly with customers’ roadmaps. The company’s core emphasis lies in enhancing the connectivity trends to further advance the future of mobility while producing state-of-the-art technology.  

With customers demanding their vehicles to be equipped with the latest connected technologies, collaboration between automotive manufacturers and OEMs has become increasingly important. Therefore, connectivity products like Telematics and body electronic products will further transform the overall driving experience. By sharing safety-critical data between the infrastructure and nearby automobiles, connected technologies also contribute to advancing Vision Zero - a future with Zero Fatalities, Zero Injuries, Zero Crashes, which ultimately reduces the frequency of crashes and casualties. 

Smart manufacturing for smart solutions 
The latest production line for connected technologies incorporates various aspects of smart manufacturing techniques to further enhance production capabilities and boost operational efficiency. It is a fully automated production line utilising robotic machinery which is equipped to handle critical processes. This line integrates Industry 4.0 applications like Manufacturing Execution System (MES), Digital Twin, and Digital 3D work instructions for operators, ensuring 100 percent traceability. The lines feature a modular design, offering scalability to enhance capacity for future expansions.  

Related Stories

Smart Manufacturing
Five ways to reduce your manufacturing facility's carbon footprint

Five ways to reduce your manufacturing facility's carbon footprint

In this article, Emily Newton delves into carbon-neutral techniques that can minimise environmental impact while still obtaining the benefits of more conventional operations.

Read more
Automation & Robotics
India to become Siemens' top market by 2027

India to become Siemens' top market by 2027

Siemens is expanding its existing network of 32 factories in India, with a recent €100 million investment directed towards capital expenditure, supporting growth in its infrastructure, industrial,..

Read more
Machine Tools & Accessories
TRUMPF makes 3D printing more productive with better parts for TruPrint 3000

TRUMPF makes 3D printing more productive with better parts for TruPrint 3000

The dual 700-watt lasers with Automatic Multilaser Alignment (AMA) and integrated cooling ensure efficient volume production and stronger parts for the TruPrint 3000 3D printer.

Read more

Related Products

Tata Motors unveils facilities for development of Hydrogen propulsion tech

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

Tata Motors, India?s largest automobile company, unveiled two state-of-the-art & new-age R&D facilities for meeting its mission of offering sustainable mobility solutions. The unveilings constitute of Read more

Request a Quote

Tata Motors plans petrol powertrain for Harrier and Safari SUVs

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

Tata Motors is in the process of developing a new petrol powertrain for its premium sports utility vehicles, the Harrier and Safari, as confirmed by a senior company official. Currently, these models Read more

Request a Quote

Electric Vehicle Charger

AUTO COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES

RRT Electro is engaged in manufacturing of customized Power Electronic Products over two decades having capability to Design, Develop, Prototyping, Regulatory Compliance testing & Certification, Manuf Read more

Request a Quote

Hi There!

Now get regular updates from IPF Magazine on WhatsApp!

Click on link below, message us with a simple hi, and SAVE our number

You will have subscribed to our Industrial News on Whatsapp! Enjoy

+91 84228 74016