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?