Continental Teves Adds Safety and Comfort Option to Vehicles With the Adjustable Pedal

PONTIAC, Mich., July 16 Everyone is not blessed with the trait of being above average in height. For those who fall below the average, the risk of being injured by driver air bags poses a real threat. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, the recommended minimum distance between the driver and the air bag is 10 inches. This distance is often not possible for shorter drivers who need to move closer to the steering wheel to comfortably reach the pedals.

Continental Teves, a leading supplier of safety and comfort systems, is engineering innovative technologies to address this issue. Their newly developed adjustable pedal is an interactive high-tech device that gives drivers the option of moving accelerator and brake pedals fore or aft by as much as three inches. With the touch of a remote keypad or a button in the vehicle, an electromechanical drive mechanism is prompted, moving the accelerator and brake pedals simultaneously.

Researchers suggest that 40 percent of women driving larger vehicles do not sit at a safe distance from the steering wheel. Adding the ability to adjust the pedals helps drivers keep their seat at a safe distance. According to Ford Motor Company, the adjustable pedal system can accommodate drivers representing 95 percent of the American male and female population in terms of stature.

"One of the most common misconceptions about the adjustable pedal is that you have to be short to benefit from it," stated Dean McConnell, Director, Actuation Product Line, Continental Teves, N.A. "Drivers can now truly 'custom fit' their cars to their physical stature using the adjustable pedal, tilt-steering and seat positioning features, which ultimately creates a more comfortable ride."

Continental Teves's adjustable pedal will soon be available on the DaimlerChrysler Minivan and future full-size Ford SUVs.

Other comfort options are tied together with the adjustable pedals on selected vehicles. Multiple drivers of the same vehicle can use the one-step reset capability for added convenience and safety. A memory device built into the keypad coding system sets a drivers preferred seating position, which will adjust the drivers seat, rearview mirrors, steering wheel and pedals.

Continental Teves is also currently engaged in a national safe driving initiative, "Drive Safer America!", which is designed to educate consumers about safe driving habits, including the proper use and benefits of new safety technologies.

Continental Teves, headquartered in Frankfurt/Main Germany, is a unit of Continental AG, Hanover, Germany. With 2000 sales of $2.8 billion (US), Continental Teves is a world leader in the design, development and supply of critical brake and chassis systems that contribute to driving safety and comfort. The company's North American component is headquartered in Auburn Hills, MI. For additional information visit these websites: http://www.conti-online.com ; http://www.drivesaferamerica.org .