Continental, the global technology leader, has reached a significant production milestone at its Gurgaon plant, manufacturing over 10 million Electronic Brake Systems (EBS) and 100 million Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS). Both components play a critical role in vehicle safety.
The EBS lineup includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) for passenger cars and two-wheelers. ESC ensures vehicle stability and control, while ABS prevents wheel lock-up, maintaining steering during braking. WSS provides essential data for ABS and ESC systems to function effectively.
The company’s efforts come at a crucial time as road accidents continue to be a major issue worldwide. According to a 2023 report by India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the country witnesses 53 accidents and 19 deaths every hour. With India mandating ABS technology in 2019 and proposing ESC requirements in 2022, these safety advancements are becoming increasingly vital.
Sukhdeep Sandhu, Head of Safety and Motion at Continental Automotive India, emphasized the importance of safety, saying, “At Continental, safety is non-negotiable. We’ve continuously introduced key technologies to the market, helping make vehicles and roads safer. Our expertise in safety systems is helping reduce accidents and fatalities.”
Continental’s localization strategy in India has played a pivotal role in this success. By focusing on local production and R&D, supported by favorable safety regulations, Continental is delivering more value to its Indian customers. The company’s long-term vision, “Vision Zero,” aims for a future with zero road fatalities, injuries, or crashes through advanced technologies and ongoing innovation.
Anudeep Garg, Head of the Gurgaon plant, highlighted the plant’s achievement and focus on localization, saying, “We’re proud of this milestone and will continue to focus on increasing production. Through global manufacturing standards and Industry 4.0 technologies, we maintain product quality, enhance efficiency, and streamline the supply chain. Over the next three years, we aim to boost our manufacturing capacity for EBS and WSS by double-digit percentages.”
Continental’s journey of localizing safety components in India began in 2016 when it set up assembly lines for ABS and ESC systems for two-wheelers and passenger cars. In 2018, the company started producing ABS and ESC Electronic Control Units (ECUs) at its Bangalore plant. By 2020, it had produced 50 million WSS at its Manesar plant. In 2022, Continental entered a joint venture with Nisshinbo Holdings to localize machining of valve blocks for EBS in India, further solidifying its commitment to local manufacturing.
With a legacy dating back to 1871, Continental is a global player in sustainable, connected mobility, offering safe and efficient solutions for vehicles, machinery, and transportation. The company generated €41.4 billion in sales in 2023 and employs around 200,000 people across 56 countries. Continental’s presence in India spans nearly 50 years, employing 10,000 people across 12 locations, including six plants and a Technical Center that supports global R&D efforts.
