Continental, a leading technology company, and Nisshinbo Holdings have inaugurated a new joint venture (JV) plant in Gurugram, India. The plant aims to increase the localization of valve blocks for Continental’s Electronic Brake Systems (EBS) in the country. With Continental holding a 40% share and Nisshinbo holding 60%, this partnership represents a significant step toward shaping safe mobility for the future and aligns with Continental’s commitment to the Indian market.
Continental has a strong focus on safety technologies and actively pursues the Vision Zero initiative, striving for a world with zero traffic accidents. The company has produced over 7.3 million EBS units in India, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for passenger cars and Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) for passenger cars and two-wheelers. This commitment to safety is in response to proactive safety legislation in India and the growing emphasis on road safety in the country.
Dennis Fritsch, Continental’s Head of Active Safety and Controls segment, emphasized the importance of Vision Zero and stated that the JV partnership with Nisshinbo Holdings is a positive step toward achieving this goal. Prashanth Doreswamy, President and CEO of Continental India, highlighted the non-negotiable nature of safety and expressed Continental’s continued investment in the Indian market.
The partnership between Continental and Nisshinbo has a long-standing history spanning 40 years. Their collaboration began in 1982 with a technical license agreement and further strengthened in 2000 with the establishment of a joint venture in Japan. Continental’s expertise in mechanical systems, electronics, software, and vehicle integration, combined with Nisshinbo’s machining capabilities, will facilitate the production of valve blocks at the new JV plant. These blocks will then be assembled into complete units at Continental’s facility in Gurugram.
Continental’s leadership in safety technologies is well-established, and the company has been a pioneer in EBS technology in India. Their product range includes ABS and ESC systems such as MK120 ESC for the passenger car market, as well as various offerings for the two-wheeler market. With the increasing demand for safer vehicles, the localization of EBS will benefit both the industry and end consumers.
Nisshinbo, as an Environment and Energy Company Group, is dedicated to providing solutions for global environmental challenges. With their diverse range of technologies, the company operates in various sectors, including electronics, automobile brakes, precision instruments, chemicals, textiles, and real estate. The JV partnership with Continental aligns with their commitment to developing sustainable and innovative solutions.
Continental’s presence in India spans close to 50 years, with multiple technology partnerships and joint ventures. With around 9,000 employees across 12 locations, including seven plants catering to the Indian market and a Technical Centre supporting global R&D activities, Continental has established itself as a key player in the Indian automotive industry.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the new joint venture plant between Continental and Nisshinbo in Gurugram marks a significant milestone in increasing the localization of Electronic Brake Systems in India. The collaboration between these two companies with a shared commitment to safety and innovation will contribute to shaping a future of safer mobility and support the Indian market’s evolving safety legislation.
