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Continental

Continental, sebuah pembekal utama automotif dari Jerman, telah mengumumkan rancangan untuk mengurangkan tenaga kerjanya sebanyak 7,150 pekerja di seluruh dunia menjelang tahun 2025. Keputusan ini diambil sebagai tindak balas terhadap permintaan pengguna yang berubah, terutamanya ke arah kenderaan elektrik.

Pemotongan pekerjaan akan memberi kesan kepada pelbagai bahagian syarikat, dengan 1,750 jawatan akan dipotong dari bidang penyelidikan dan pembangunan, manakala 5,400 pemotongan pekerjaan yang lain adalah sebahagian daripada program pemotongan kos yang telah diumumkan sebelum ini.

Philipp von Hirschheydt, ketua automotif Continental, menekankan bahawa penstrukturan ini bertujuan untuk memberi keutamaan kepada pelaburan dalam teknologi masa depan untuk kenderaan yang ditakrifkan oleh perisian. Beliau juga menyatakan komitmen syarikat untuk menyokong pekerja yang terjejas dengan mencari penyelesaian yang sesuai.

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In response to shifting consumer demands, particularly towards electric vehicles, Continental, a major German auto supplier, has announced plans to reduce its global workforce by 7,150 jobs by 2025.

The job cuts, affecting various areas of the company, will see 1,750 positions eliminated from research and development, with an additional 5,400 job cuts as part of a previously announced cost-cutting program.

Philipp von Hirschheydt, Continental’s automotive chief, emphasised that the restructuring aims to prioritise investments in future technologies for software-defined vehicles. The company remains committed to supporting affected employees by seeking suitable solutions.

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In the early years of the automobile, just maintaining control of the car was the most important thing for the driver to do. Knowing how the engine was running and the speed were secondary. Over time, meters and warning lights were added to provide the driver with information that could help him drive better or alert him of problems. The increasing number of meters to display led to the creation of the instrument panel as an integral part of the dashboard, with the area in front of the driver being referred to as the ‘cockpit’, a term taken from aircraft.

In the past couple of decades, the instrument panel has evolved from having mechanical devices to digital graphic displays which allow more information to be shown by having changeable displays. Some information (eg energy flows in a hybrid powertrain) is also shown on the panel in the middle of the dashboard.

Looking at the instruments while driving means the eyes move down and the driver may not be watching the road ahead momentarily, which can be dangerous. One approach to helping the driver keep eyes ahead all the time was to take an idea from fighter aircraft – the Head-Up Display (HUD). This is a display projected on the windscreen ahead of the driver with information such as speed and other warnings.

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Like any progressive manufacturer, Continental constantly improves its products. Not only is the upgrading only for current requirements and conditions but also with foreseeable changes in the market in future.

Following the success of its Generation 6 products, the tyremaker has now moved to Generation 7, with the first of this new generation in Malaysia being the UltraContact UC7. An all-round tyre, it prioritizes safety, with an emphasis on exceptional noise comfort and long drive life.

“The specific needs and driving habits of consumers are constantly evolving, and Continental Tyres is committed to bringing continuous innovations that meet those changing needs. We invest heavily in the development of every single product we bring to market, and the resulting UltraContact UC7 truly represents a next-generation upgrade,” said Dalibor Kalina, Head of BA Replacement Tires Asia Pacific.

Significant improvements
In comparison to the UltraContact UC6, the UltraContact UC7 has significant improvements in braking and control on wet ground, important with Malaysia’s tropical climate. Other performance aspects such as fuel efficiency, dry braking, and handling are also enhanced.

To offer the best driving experience to consumers, Continental has developed flagship technologies focusing on the unique consumer requirements for each segment. Specially tailored for the all-round segment, Confidence+ Technology combines the best of the brand’s compound technology and construction design features to create the ultimate tyre that does not compromise on any aspect of safety, comfort, handling, or mileage.

Extensive testing before launch
With on-road safety as the greatest priority, before every new tyre product goes into the market, it is subjected to test after test to ensure that its performance across all aspects meets Continental’s highest requirements.

“We take pride in our safety technologies that have been highly recognised for generations. With ‘Vision Zero’ as our top priority, we strive to achieve zero accidents, zero injuries, and zero fatalities on the road,” said Andrea Somorova, Managing Director of Continental Tyre Malaysia.

The development of the UltraContact UC7 was carried out by a worldwide team of around 25 engineers and material experts. They spent more than 9,500 hours designing, simulating, building, and testing all the prototypes with the target consumer always in mind.

During the development phase alone, Continental engineers conducted more than 850 tests under various conditions, with a combined distance that could circle the earth 12 times. As Bob Liu, Director of Continental R&D Asia Pacific, explained, “We put this tyre through rigorous rounds of testing to ensure we meet our own exacting standards and can deliver cutting-edge tyre technology to consumers. We will continue to do so as we further expand the portfolio to establish powerful, competitive offerings for the market.”

What makes it better?
Featuring the Continental ‘Diamond DNA’ – Diamond Compound, Noise Breaker 3.0 and Aqua Channel Advanced –  the new UltraContact UC7’s superior wet performance is proven by a shorter braking distance and strong grip on wet slippery roads. This is due to the Aqua Channel Advanced surface sipes on the centre part of the pattern which efficiently evacuate water to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

Simultaneously, the innovative Noise Breaker 3.0 design with Flow X-celerator leverages the Venturi Effect principle to accelerate water flow through the groove, improving surface contact between rubber and road.

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Thirdly, the Diamond Compound formulation enhances the transformation of kinetic energy into heat at optimum levels, resulting in shorter braking distances – even on wet roads.

The second advantage of the UltraContact UC7 is a quieter and more harmonic drive as a result of reduced noise levels and smooth vibrational frequency. As sound waves travel through the grooves, the Noise Breaker 3.0 interrupts the waves by disrupting the homogeneity of the grooves.

The sound waves are broken up and dissipated into smaller waves, preventing noise from building up and traveling into the cabin of the car. The Diamond Compound with whisper touch also contributes to reduced noise generation by absorbing impact from the road.

The third advantage is long drive life, allow the motorist a better return on his expenditure. The Diamond Compound’s optimised polymer network provides wear resistance for long-lasting tread life.

The UltraContact UC7 is available, in sizes from 15 inches to 18 inches. It is suitable for fitment on compact and mid-size cars, MPVs, and luxury sedans. Although launched, Continental Tyres has not released the prices for the new tyres.

Castrol Malaysia and Continental Tyre Malaysia will be collaborating to offer consumers high quality products and services for a convenient and complete experience. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore a joint initiative that will leverage on each other’s extensive dealer network, offerings, and expertise, and strengthen their respective positions in the country.

Under the proposed collaboration, both companies will offer motorists a combined trade loyalty programme where they can enjoy various deals, incentives, redemptions, and rewards. Both brands are also working towards a partnership that could see joint branded outlets nationwide with plans to grow and expand.

The extensive dealer networks of each brand will share special deals, incentives, redemptions, and rewards for the public.

“This partnership is a testament to both brands’ commitment to safety and customer satisfaction as together we join forces to further build our brand presence in Malaysia. Through our combined expertise that supports new opportunities, we will continue to lead and innovate in securing global market leadership when it comes to service and maintenance,” said Gan Wee Kiong, Market Sales Director of Castrol Malaysia & Singapore.

“There is a steady demand for both brands and our products in the market amongst the premium vehicle owners, and we saw a great opportunity for us to come together to consolidate our offerings to serve our customers better. We believe that with both brand’s long-standing service and excellence in the market, we will continue to be the preferred brands in automotive maintenance,” added Andrea Somorova, Managing Director of Continental Tyre Malaysia.

Gan Wee Kiong, Market Sales Director of Castrol Malaysia & Singapore (centreleft) and Andrea Somorova, Managing Director of Continental Tyre Malaysia (centre right) at the signing ceremony of the MoU for the two companies.

About Castrol Malaysia
Castrol has had a presence in Malaysia for over 90 years and is one of the market leaders in the retail automotive lubricants segment. The company offers a range of  high-performance lubricants and has leadership positions in a majority of segments it operates in. These include passenger car engine oils, motorcycle engine oils, commercial vehicle engine oils and industrial lubricants.

The company also has a lubricants blending plant in Port Klang, Selangor and a distribution network reaching out to over 14,000 customers including retail outlets and workshops. Its exclusive outlets – Castrol Auto Service and Castrol Bike Points – offer professional maintenance services to Malaysian motorists and motorcyclists. 

About Continental Tyre Malaysia
Continental is one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers and ranks among the technology leaders in tyre production. It has a broad product range for passenger cars, commercial and special-purpose vehicles as well as two-wheelers.

In 2003, Continental AG established a joint venture company with Sime Darby Berhad as Continental Sime Tyre Sdn Bhd. The business expanded rapidly and Continental AG fully acquired the company in 2012, making it one of its production sites in the Asia-Pacific region. Currently, Continental Tyre Malaysia has more than 2,500 employees with two factories supplying tyres to countries such as  Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Korea.

For more information on Castrol products and services, visit www.castrol.com/my.

For more information on Continental Tyres, visit www.continental-tyres.com.my.

Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia celebrated for fourth consecutive year

 

As the actual job of driving a car gets taken over by a computer in future, the interior space will become more than just a place to sit while travelling, it will be a space where the occupants, besides driving when necessary, can relax or work. These three activities are set to merge in the digital, connected and sustainable vehicles of the future.

Continental has been looking at interior spaces which it terms “Third Space”. To show what the future of vehicle interiors could be like, it has built the AMBIENC3, a concept vehicle in which everything is designed and imagined within a shared blueprint. It has stylish, light and robust surfaces for the floor, walls and ceilings, the seats, lounge and tables; natural, subtle and bright colours; warm, clearly defined lighting effects; and unobtrusive sounds.

Continental AMBIENC3 concept VW T2 microvan

The AMBIENC3 is full of new surface solutions made from innovative and sustainable materials. It is based on a Volkswagen T2 microvan, a vehicle of rich emotional charm that provides a meeting point for retro appeal and future direction.

“With the AMBIENC3, we are connecting a globally renowned icon of the automotive world with new, intriguing surfaces and future-focused technologies, whose attributes assist driving, working and relaxing as effectively as possible and distinguish them through colour, design and material,” said  Ralf Imbery, Global Director Innovation, Transformation & Design at Continental’s surface experts. “With the AMBIENC3 we are demonstrating our expertise in terms of sustainability, design, functionality, ‘third space’ development and customer centricity. It sees us bringing together key drivers for the future of the mobile interior.”

Continental AMBIENC3 concept VW T2 microvan

Focus on sustainability
One highlight of the concept vehicle from Continental is a light and sound concept that creates different moods. Natural and renewable raw materials are used for the surfaces, as well as recycled and reclaimed materials – with no compromise in quality. Passengers in the AMBIENC3 can breathe clean air, thanks to low-emission, low-pollutant materials.

Light surfaces also help to lower the vehicle weight. This reduces energy consumption – and, by extension, CO2 emissions – and therefore also increases the driving range of electric vehicles.

Continental AMBIENC3 concept VW T2 microvan

Natural, subtle, bright colours, plus gently flowing forms are defining elements of the AMBIENC3 interior and give it a cozy yet modern feel. The interior helps motivate passengers to work, but also encourages them to relax. Although the functions in the AMBIENC3 are always intuitive to use, there are no permanently visible controls. In fact, buttons and switches are nowhere to be seen. This is ‘Shy technology’ in use where, in OFF mode, the functions in the surfaces are invisible.

Design and function go hand in hand
Other innovative highlights of the concept vehicle include a light and sound concept that creates different moods, and heatable materials. Made using functional printing methods, these can generate heat in seconds. Other surfaces in the AMBIENC3 are distinguished by special attributes such as optimized soiling characteristics, maximum abrasion resistance and even self-healing in the event of damage.

The AMBIENC3 sets new standards in customer orientation. With solutions and surfaces that can be customized using digital printing techniques, Continental offers automakers with a host of options when it comes to tailoring vehicles to their customers’ individual requirements, upgrading interiors with new and surprising functions, and ensuring connectivity.

Continental AMBIENC3 concept VW T2 microvan

For example, staynu (stay new) technology makes surfaces more dirt resistant, easier to look after and more robust than ever. As the name implies, this technology helps the material to stay (and look) ‘as new’ for longer. Material equipped with this protection is used for the driver’s seat in the AMBIENC3. Stains are no longer an issue, and the material is long-lasting, low-cost and environment-friendly.

Other surfaces in the AMBIENC3 use laif technology, which delivers outstanding breathability –allowing air and water vapour to pass through – and an exceptional soft feel. An agreeable side effect of this new technology is that the breathable surfacing provides passive temperature control. Offering the look and feel of real leather, surfaces with laif technology provide an excellent alternative for which no animal needs to give up their life.

External designers create Virtual Interiors for Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you can spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

The vehicle dashboard – that area below the windscreen at the front of the cabin – began with one side being dedicated to the driver (and associated with the ‘cockpit’ of an aircraft) and the other for the front passenger. It was generally like that for decades, the surface of the dashboard punctuated by various controls, switches and other ornamental decorations.

As more electronic systems were installed and more information could be presented on displays, the cockpit area widened. Then came infotainment, when more than just a radio or CD-player provided entertainment; as connectivity grew, the dashboard came the be used to house various systems which even passengers used and even wider displays appeared.

From pillar to pillar
Now, as we have seen with some of the latest Mercedes-Benz models, huge displays extend the full width of the dashboard to provide all kinds of information for the driver and other occupants. Fifty years ago, such an idea may have been seen only in concept cars but are now becoming a reality in production models the public can buy.

Dashboard of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the 1950s and dashboard in the latest Mercedes-EQ EQS (below).

The concept won’t be limited to a few brands as Continental has developed a pillar-to-pillar display and it is available to any carmaker. In fact, one global vehicle manufacturer has already placed a major order with Continental and will have the super-wide display in a production model in 2024.

Continental’s display that extends across the entire width of the dashboard is an integrated display solution from one roof pillar to the other at the front, providing space for a growing number of vehicle functions, digital services, as well as communication and infotainment applications. The solution makes the display the central visual interface between the driver, front passenger and digital driving experience.

Milestone in evolution of the car
Its launch in a high-volume production model marks another milestone in the evolution of the car into a smart device as part of the internet of things (IoT). Whether it is navigation, warning signs, movies, news, social networks, office applications or booking apps to plan the route, the information will be shown and easily viewed. Continental adds that the content will be ‘fully immersive and offers drivers and passengers a completely new user experience’.

“A driving experience that is digital and safe is becoming the most distinctive feature of modern cars. The size of the displays and their intuitive operation play a central role here. In short, what used to be horsepower is now screen diagonals and user experience,” said Dr. Frank Rabe, Head of the Human Machine Interface business unit at Continental.

“With the user experience, we already create value today. Each year, we supply a total of around 120 million products for human-machine interaction, equipping one in four cars worldwide. With the increasing significance of automated driving, the way in which we spend our time in cars is becoming even more important. As a result, there is also a growing need for solutions and services for the in-vehicle user experience.”

From pointer instruments to digital displays
Speedometer, tachometer, fuel consumption gauge – the time of the classic instrument panel is over. In view of the multitude of new vehicle functions and digital services that are pushing into cars with increasing connectivity, traditional pointer instruments and centre consoles are now too rigid and inflexible. The switch to vehicles with electric powertrains also changes some of the running information that has to be shown.

An exclusive focus on the driver is also no longer appropriate for the wide range of communication and infotainment services now available for vehicle occupants. Therefore, displays have been getting bigger and bigger for years. This also poses design challenges which, over time, have resulted in different shapes: from flat displays to curved displays that fit seamlessly into the cockpit, into V, C, L or S-shaped displays, accommodating both the driver and the front passenger, so that they can be reached with minimum effort.

As the size increases, several displays are connected under one surface to form a single unit. Creating invisible transitions is not the only crucial aspect here. Sensors and cameras that record driver behaviour can be seamlessly integrated. Convex and concave shapes are also increasingly being used so that the user can perceive the operating elements intuitively.

Transforming vehicle electronics architecture
Whether it is 3D without special glasses or pillar-to-pillar displays, Continental has been a pioneer in this digital cockpit evolution. In addition to the further development of screen solutions, the company is also driving forward the transformation of the vehicle electronics architecture with concepts such as the high-performance computer for the cockpit. In view of the fact that a few high-performance computers will replace the previous large number of dedicated control units in the future, the pillar-to-pillar display is the next evolutionary step and an expression of the increasing convergence of the car to a mobile data centre.

Continental is launching its volume-production display featuring autostereoscopic 3D technology on the market with the latest Genesis GV80. The new display requires no special glasses to view (obviously!)

On the screen, the technology displays three-dimensional scales, pointers and objects, for example displaying a stop sign warning in the driver’s line of sight. No special glasses are required to see the three-dimensional warning signal. Instead, Continental uses parallax barriers – slanted slats that divide the image for the viewer – as if looking at real objects, two different, slightly offset views reach the right and left eye, resulting in the 3-dimensional image.

An interior camera, which detects the driver’s line of sight and adjusts the 3D views to their precise head position, plays an essential role. To prevent drivers from focusing their attention on the 3D screen for too long, the camera also employs attention detection to identify potential moments of driver distraction or fatigue. With the 3D visualization of the instrument cluster, Continental is focused on ensuring the driver is not overloaded with information provided by advanced driver assistance systems, conventional displays, communication services and infotainment applications.

Genesis GV80
The new Genesis GV80

“With our volume-production display featuring autostereoscopic 3D technology, we are raising human-machine interaction to a whole new level and laying the foundations for intuitive communication in the connected cockpit of tomorrow,” said Dr. Frank Rabe, Head of the Human Machine Interface business unit at Continental. “To ensure that this gain in safety and comfort does not come at the expense of a lean electronics architecture, we integrated various displays in the center console or dashboard into our Cross Domain Hub.”

Continental

Cross Domain Hub
In the future, to reduce complexity and save weight and space, only a small number of control units will be required for all the in-vehicle input and output devices. The Cross Domain Hub is a high- performance computer and the basis for Continental’s 3D display being used in the Genesis. It marks a further milestone in the transformation of modern E/E architecture. The intention is to move away from numerous individual control units to a few high-performance computers.

In the next generation of Continental’s cross-domain solution, all displays are integrated into a single unit. The driver will be able to distribute content across multiple displays, for example by means of gesture control, dragging navigation maps from the front passenger’s display onto their own screen and arranging exactly where they want to place them. In automated driving mode, the displays merge across the entire width of the cockpit and offer all the services and apps that are otherwise only available on the front passenger’s side.

Continental

Lightfield Display
To ensure that the front passenger and occupants in the rear seats can also enjoy the three-dimensional experience, Continental is currently developing a new 3D display based on the natural 3D Lightfield Technology from Silicon Valley based Leia Inc.. With this technology, there is neither the need for cameras detecting head movement nor 3D glasses. As a result, the Natural 3D Display not only saves weight, space and costs, but also opens up an entire world of digital services to all the passengers in a connected car – from video conferences and online shopping to augmented reality games and 3D movies.

Instead of the parallax barriers described above, this system relies on Diffractive Lightfield Backlighting technology from Leia. An optical waveguide with diffraction grating and nanostructures beneath the display panel creating a natural 3D effect by bending the light. Continental is adapting this technology for use in vehicles. The system is planned for production by 2022.

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Music and radio broadcasts have been available in cars for a long time and as automotive as well as audio technologies have progressed, the quality of reproduction has become better and better, comparable even to home audio systems. Developing and tuning audio systems for a car cabin is a specialized field and manufacturers usually collaborate with the best audio companies in the business.

Continental teamed up with audio specialist Sennheiser to develop a speakerless audio system for cars. The unique system fills the vehicle interior with lifelike immersive sound. The two companies are integrating Sennheiser’s patented AMBEO 3D audio technology with Continental’s Ac2ated Sound system.

Continental’s innovative concept abandons conventional speaker technology altogether, instead employing select surfaces in the vehicle interior to produce sound. Combined with Sennheiser’s AMBEO Mobility, the concept achieves a 3D sound reproduction that envelopes passengers in an incredibly detailed and vivid soundscape and lets them enjoy their in-car entertainment to the fullest.

Speakerless audio system

Space-saving and lighter
In comparison to conventional audio systems, Ac2ated Sound enables a reduction of weight and space of up to 90%. In this way, the system not only produces the highest audio quality but is also ideal for electric vehicles, where saving space and weight is a high priority.

“For Ac2ated Sound, we have brought together the highest levels of expertise in the areas of acoustics, infotainment and vehicle design. In Sennheiser, we have found an audio expert who helped us make our pioneering audio system even better,” said Helmut Matschi, Member of the Executive Board and Head of the business area Vehicle Networking and Information at Continental. “Together, we have developed an audio system that creates premium sound out of nowhere. Additionally, Ac2ated Sound reduces space and weight. At Continental, we call this sustainability that’s music to your ears.”

Tesla EV
Weight savings with the speakerless system make it ideal for electric vehicles.

Transforming the vehicle into an instrument
Inspired by the technology of classical string instruments, which use their wooden body as a resonance chamber, specially developed actuators excite specific surfaces in the vehicle interior. The result is an extremely natural sound experience for the occupants, who feel as if they are sitting in a concert hall surrounded by sound.

Additionally, in comparison with conventional speaker systems, the audio solution has a much lower weight and significantly reduced box volume. In comparison: With a multitude of components, conventional audio systems weigh up to 40 kgs and by using already existing surfaces, Ac2ated Sound is distinctly more efficient in saving space. It achieves a reduction between 75% and 90% in contrast to existing conventional systems on the market.

Speaker
Space for speakers in door panels or other parts of the cabin won’t be required.

At the same time, the ‘invisible’ audio technology gives vehicle designers and manufacturers the freedom to do more with an automobile’s interior as they no longer need to accommodate speaker faces that take up valuable space. With Ac2ated Sound, many components are unnecessary because the surfaces in the vehicle vibrate just like speaker diaphragms.

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A modern car contains, on average, around 5 square metres of glass and that’s almost twice as much what a typical car had 30 years ago. While many components – from the inside mirror with a built-in sensor to the 3D speedometer – already function as high-tech, digitally connected components, car windows are large surfaces that are usually free from any kind of digital equipment, although they have tremendous potential.

This is the potential that Continental is increasingly looking to exploit. The technology company is enhancing and refining its Intelligent Glass Control solution, opening up whole new possibilities for greater comfort, safety and energy efficiency.

Thanks to new film technologies, panoramic sunroofs can already be dimmed on command more effectively than ever before. Sections of the windscreen can be tinted when the sun is low in the sky and the windows behind the B-pillar can be dimmed to provide more privacy on the rear seats. Windows can also be heated automatically without heating wires – and even be used as display surfaces.

Active and smart components
“Windows are becoming an increasingly active, smart component of the vehicle,” said Johann Hiebl, Head of the Body & Security and Infotainment & Connectivity business units at Continental. “Intelligent Glass Control is an innovative solution that we are currently developing so that windows can be integrated even more effectively into the car’s user interface. This will make driving more comfortable and safer – and, thanks to new dimming and heating functions, they will also enable significant energy savings. This development work represents an important step on the road toward electromobility and autonomous driving.”

Intelligent Glass Control uses special films that are integrated into the glass and change their degree of translucency on the basis of electrical control signals. A range of technologies are available for this purpose, although they present benefits and drawbacks in terms of visual quality and the speed with which a glass pane can be dimmed.

Smart windows have traditionally been used for panoramic sunroofs. Now, Continental is using – among other things – an innovative technology that is suitable for all the vehicle’s windows and significantly increases the potential of glass control: LC (liquid crystal) technology offers unprecedented quality for switchable glass in vehicles.

Greater privacy and fewer CO2 emissions
In an LC car window mold, liquid crystals mix with tiny paint particles in a special suspension that is, in turn, integrated into a fine film between two thin glass panes. Under the influence of a low AC voltage, the liquid crystals and paint particles align to either dim or lighten the windows.

“This LC-based technology has the potential to enable the ultimate in modern, smart glass pane systems,” explained Tobias Frischmuth, Technical Project Leader in Intelligent Glass Control at Continental. “The transparency or opacity of a window can be adjusted within milliseconds. It is crucial that the windows do not exhibit any visible residual turbidity when they are transparent. This technology is also available in different colours.”

The overall benefits of switchable glazing technologies: each individual car window can be dimmed separately on command. However, regulations in some countries mean that this is not currently allowed on all vehicle windows. If the rear windows are dimmed to provide greater privacy in the rear, for example, this will also have a noticeably positive impact on the interior climate. This means that the air-conditioning unit will not have to be used as much and CO2 emissions can be reduced.

If the tinting function in the windscreen is linked with the on-board power supply and cloud connection, specific sections of windows can be dimmed or brightened automatically in advance depending on the weather conditions or position of the sun. Not only will this technology mean that drivers will no longer have to reach for the sun visor – itself a risky move – it will ultimately render mechanical sun visors completely redundant.

Windows can also be heated automatically without heating wires – and even be used as display surfaces.

Helpful for cameras too
The effectiveness of adaptive camera systems can also be improved, thanks to Intelligent Glass Control. Adaptive camera systems are vital components for a wide range of autonomous driving functions and, if they are positioned close to the inside mirror, their function can be impaired when the sun is low in the sky.

With Intelligent Glass Control, smart car windscreens will also play a role in human–machine interaction, for example by displaying information output by the advanced driver assistance and infotainment systems. Windows could also be transformed into smart displays featuring a range of touchscreen elements. Continental possesses both the electronics know-how and systems expertise in the integration of innovative technology solutions necessary to make these visions a reality in the near future.

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