Localisation at the core of strategy for India
Continental, with localisation at the core of its strategy for India, has inaugurated its new line for the production and assembly of Electronic Control Units (ECU) for two-wheeler and passenger car Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in Bengaluru. As part of its Bangalore Central Electronics Plant, Continental’s largest plant in India, it will cater to automotive OEMs in the country. This strategic move towards “In the market, for the market” is also its next step in localising ABS and ESC, after the system assembly that started in Gurgaon last year.
Prashanth Doreswamy, Market Head of Continental India and Managing Director, Continental Automotive India said, “we have been growing steadily in the Indian market, and will continue to increase our manufacturing capacity to cater to the growing demand. Localisation is at the core of our strategy for India, and we are fully equipped with solutions and technologies that aid safe, efficient and intelligent mobility. Innovative technologies and intelligent systems are imperative for future mobility in which life is protected and injuries are prevented.”
Harald Lichtinger, Head of Operations BU VED, Continental, said “the pace of adoption of safety technologies has accelerated in India, thanks to the growing consumer awareness and a concerted effort by the industry and Government. Continental has successfully partnered with OEMs in Europe, Americas and China, bringing down fatality rates and shaping automotive industry trends. Our technology, expertise and production capabilities will support a similar mission in India. Our investment will also result in direct and indirect employment.”
Continental has been pursuing a long-term strategy globally towards “Vision Zero” – a future with zero accidents – through innovations and ongoing improvement of components and systems making a decisive contribution to greater road safety. In view of its expertise in active and passive safety systems, the company sees itself as a key driver in reducing the number of traffic-related fatalities, injuries, and road accidents through a more widespread use of technologies.
The impending need of safety features in vehicles, driven primarily by government mandates, will see the ABS market in India growing exponentially in the near term. Continental is wellequipped to support this growth. In 2016 Continental set up a line for localisation of ABS assembly, besides ESC systems, in Gurgaon.
ESC, although yet to be mandated in India, will be the next step to provide more comfort and safety to the driver, and will see an uptake in the next five years. The new lines can produce ESC also. Continental is localising the entire value chain starting from marketing to R&D to design according to local customer requirements.