Continental debuts new ESC brake system

Tyres are important when stopping a vehicle, and brakes are too. Continental has both areas covered and has announced a world first for the latter: The company has commenced series production of its new generation of brake systems for Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the MK 120 ESC. The first OEM partner to receive the system is Chinese car maker Changan ahead of supply to a “European car manufacturer” later this year. Continental will also extend production to sites in Europe, Japan, and India.

Continental describes MK 120 ESC as a highly efficient and easy-to-install system that offers cyber security features and over-the-air (OTA) functionality. “We are developing new brake systems to meet the needs of trends like electrification, assisted and automated driving,” says Dennis Fritsch, head of Continental’s Active Safety and Controls Segment. “Our MK 120 ESC guarantees high active safety performance and provides comfortable driving experience. The worldwide first market entry with our brake system at Changan is an important milestone for us.”

Changan is equipping two new ICE-powered SUV models, the Oshan X5 Plus and Uni-T, with the brake system for the Chinese market. As Continental notes, lightweight and compact components are becoming increasingly important not just as a means of increasing range in electric vehicles – they also help vehicles with internal combustion engines save energy and reduce emissions. Compared to the previous generation, the design of the valve block, solenoid valve, pump and motor on the MK 120 ESC is completely optimised and about five per cent lighter despite offering the same performance. The new unit is around seven per cent smaller than the previous generation.