Conti Opens First “Full-Scale” Engineering Centre in Asia

In a move that acknowledges the importance of Asian manufacturers to global vehicle production, Continental AG’s Automotive Systems Division has opened its first full-scale integrated engineering centre in the region. The facility, located in the Japanese city of Yokohama, has been established as part of the Continental Automotive Corporation (formerly known as Continental Teves Corporation) joint venture between Continental AG and brake assembly and component manufacturer Nisshinbo.

Upon the opening of the 11,000 square metre Continental Engineering Center, Continental Automotive Systems reiterated its commitment to Asia, stating that it aims to raise its commitment and investment in the Asia market to the “next level” following decades of successful operation and development in a region Conti says is seen to be “key for the future of the global automotive industry.” Indeed, the very reason for establishing the Engineering Center in Yokohama was to bring the company’s products and services even closer to Japanese and Korean OEMs.

The centre incorporates the company’s engineers and testing equipment from existing company facilities in Yokohama, Chiba, Hamamatsu, and Hiroshima. One of Conti’s first priorities following the establishment of the new centre is to expand the Automotive Systems business by focusing on Advanced Drivers Assistant Systems, its Hybrid and Electronics business, as well as its core business of Electronic and Hydraulic Brake Systems.

When fulfilling its intended role as an important hub for Continental Automotive Systems in Japan, the Engineering Center will forge a stronger link between the division’s Japanese operations and its German headquarters and US development centre, thereby improving Conti’s global R&D network for Japanese and Korean OEMs. Conti intends to create 250 new engineer positions in the Yokohama based Engineering Center.

Jay Kunkel, member of the Management Board and Asia Region president at Continental Automotive Systems, stated “Japanese and Korean car manufacturers have been extremely successful on a global scale. The most important purchasing decisions are being made in Japan and Korea for platforms that are marketed globally. This is why we decided to establish the Engineering Center in Japan”. Dr. Peter Laier, president of Continental Automotive Corporation said ”The integration of our engineering resources into one location will enable us to further enhance customer focus and to increase efficiency throughout the R&D organisation – two key factors for being successful with Japanese and Korean OEMs.”