New IIHS Research Findings on Effectiveness of Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Statement by Joe Gaus, Vice President, Electronic Brake & Safety Systems, Continental Automotive Systems

TV stations: Beta b-roll is Available to Demonstrate ESC Effectiveness

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 13 -- The following is a statement by Joe Gaus, Vice President, Electronic Brake & Safety Systems, Continental Automotive Systems:

Today is a bellwether day in motor vehicle safety, providing compelling evidence that we have a rare opportunity to advance dramatically the safety of the American people by providing Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on every new vehicle.

New Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) research confirms that ESC could save as many as 10,000 lives a year by helping to prevent many rollovers and other loss of control crashes from occurring.

Several weeks ago, University of Michigan researchers reached similar conclusions, characterizing the benefits of ESC as "like a guardian angel sitting on the shoulder of the driver."

The IIHS' effectiveness finding is staggering, making ESC arguably the most important motor vehicle safety advance of our generation. It means we could prevent almost a third of the 38,000 fatal passenger vehicle crashes that occur every year -- truly a much needed "technological vaccine" to improve public safety.

Because preventing crashes should always be the first goal of motor vehicle safety, ESC should be standard on all new vehicles. Anyone considering a new car, SUV or light truck should not buy a model without it -- it's that good.

Continental led the national call for effectiveness research and public education about ESC benefits. The company believes linking ESC and other electronic crash prevention equipment is ushering in a new safety era that will make driving both safer and more enjoyable.

For more information visit: http://www.conti-online.com/, http://www.contitevesna.com/ or http://www.drivesaferamerica.com/.

As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry, the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG integrates extensive know-how and uncompromising quality in the fields of driving safety, powertrain and comfort. In 2005, the Division achieved sales of approx. euro 5.2 billion with a workforce of more than 24,000. Continental Automotive Systems develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and chassis control systems, electronic air suspension systems, sensors, engine management and transmission control systems, hybrid drives, cooling fan modules as well as body and security electronics.

In 2006 Continental Automotive Systems celebrates altogether 100 years of successful automotive technologies. The slogan "Forward Thinking" points to the future and the mission to keep pushing for new dimensions in safe mobility and the joy of driving cars.