Continental Automotive inaugurates phase III of its technical centre

The leading international automotive supplier Continental Automotive has inaugurated Phase III of its Technical Center India in Bangalore. The Technical Center India, which develops automotive technology and provides software services for Continental’s Automotive Group, is fast on its way to become one of Continental’s major R&D hubs for emerging markets. According to Joachim Nell, Head of Technical Center India and Director Affordable Car Strategy at Continental, "This step underlines once more our commitment to India. Setting up the TCI has created a win-win situation for us and our customers. While we have been able to tap the potential of the huge talent base of India to work on the latest technologies and innovations, we have also been able to globally offer a best cost location with first-class facilities and services. The centre helps support our localization strategy for emerging markets.” With quick access to qualified engineers, and its flexibility on manpower and technology, TCI delivers best quality and cost-effective engineering support to Continental globally. It works on a hybrid concept, combining the strengths of their in-house development center at TCI, with Offshore Development Centers (ODC) operated by engineering partners like KPIT, Siemens and Wipro. TCI currently operates up to 600 engineers (including ODCs) with expenses of 23 mio EUR (150 Crores) per year. The centre has now added 17,000 sq ft space, and can accommodate now more than additional 400 people. The centre has grown 20pc year on year since its setting up. The centre also spearheads Continental’s Affordable Car Strategy. The company has a wide product portfolio for the megatrend “Affordable Cars”, which caters to the requirements of emerging markets including India. With sales of €26 billion in 2010, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently has approximately 155,000 employees in 45 countries.