TodayApril 16, 2022

Continental AG, and safety, in China

Dr. Ralph Cramer, President, Continental AG Chassis and Safety Department, talked to Lou Ann Hammond, CEO, Driving the Nation, at the 2013 Shanghai auto show.

Around 1997, Continental AG sold the first anti-lock brake system (ABS) in China. Sixteen years later they have 18 locations (some with research and development arms) and eight joint ventures.

Since 1997, Cramer has seen sales of vehicles go up and along with that, accidents and fatalities, until a couple of years ago. Why? 70% of cars have ABS in them.

The United States has just required Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Europe will start requiring it in 2014. Cramer thinks it will happen in China, just a little longer for it to be a requirement, but the installation rate will start going up already.

How does Cramer compare Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC countries) in the world of safety?

What is the forecast by Cramer for sales in China in 2014? 2020?

Lou Ann Hammond

Lou Ann Hammond is the CEO of Carlist and Driving the Nation. She is the co-host of Real Wheels Washington Post carchat every Friday morning and is the Automotive, energy correspondent for The John Batchelor Show and a Contributor to Automotive Electronics magazine headquartered in Korea. Hammond is a founding member of the Women's World Car of the Year #WWCOTY, and board member of the Women in Automotive.