The international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer and industrial partner Continental is taking new approaches when it comes to developing components for construction and agricultural vehicles. With its newly launched Internet platform www.continental-innovation.de, the Interior Division offers end consumers and business partners the chance for the first time to play an active part in design development – in line with the information megatrend, which stands for networked thinking and development in the vehicle construction sector. “Establishment of the new platform gives our product development activities a second pillar,” says Dr. Michael Ruf, Head of the Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket Business Unit at Continental. “As a manufacturer of innovative electronic components, we have more than 40 years of experience in these sectors. However, the experience users gather in day-to-day practice is just as valuable for us.” That is why the company wants to cooperate with end users, sales partners and workshop owners in creating a network where they can contribute their ideas for designing cabs to suit their needs.
The cabs of construction and agricultural vehicles are the daily workplace of many people. To minimize the strain on users, the design of electronic components, such as displays, instrument clusters, accelerator pedals and sensors, must take ergonomic aspects into account and also ensure safety and a long service life. That is why Continental is now setting store by users’ knowledge in developing user-friendly design concepts – and is offering a suitable medium for them in the shape of the new online platform.
Customers, end consumers and prospective customers can register for the new online platform at www.continental-innovation.de. Continental is currently looking for opinions and ideas for developing an innovative concept for operating an armrest. The company is first working on designing the display and will then successively address all the relevant components. Registered users can submit their ideas and wishes on the basis of detailed questions and simulations. Continental’s developers will then implement the suggestions in an interactive process. Continental plans to invite the six most active users of the online platform to Villingen-Schwennigen. Apart from a tour of the works and a discussion about current prototypes, the two-day event will include a visit to a tractor museum.
Continental also leverages synergy effects from the commercial vehicle and passenger car segments in developing its products. In addition to an extensive, tried-and-tested product platform, the Interior Division also develops products tailored to its customers’ requirements. As a vendor of integrated system solutions, Continental offers all-round solutions from a single source and is distinguished by a high sense of quality and reliable delivery times.
