Continental logo
The auto parts supplier Continental is increasing its investments in the business with assistance systems and plans to open another factory in the United States to build. In New Braunfels (Texas), work on a plant producing radar sensors is scheduled to start by the middle of this year. The start of production is targeted for 2021, like Conti announced on Thursday.
The DaxCorporation from Hanover plans to spend a total of around 100 million euros in the new location between Austin and San Antonio over three years. 130 additional jobs are to be created. The company is already producing radar sensors in nearby Seguin.
The supplier is restructuring its business areas, In the future, in addition to the tire division and the industrial business, Continental will focus on e-drives, electronics, sensors, software, networking and technologies for autonomous driving.
Management board member Frank Jourdan explained that the demand for assistance systems among car manufacturers is increasing – one sees “great growth opportunities” here. “In the next five years, we are planning further investments in the high three-digit million euro range in the areas of assisted and automated driving,” announced the manager.
Radar sensors are used, for example, for emergency brake assistants, distance warning devices or cruise control. Assistance systems are designed to increase safety around the car – many applications also form the preliminary stage for automated or autonomous driving. Conti expects over two billion euros in sales here in the past financial year.
However, the reorganization of the company recently also generated criticism, the unions IG metal and IG BCE warn of rushed action. The “Transformation 2019-2029” program leads the group away from hydraulics and combustion technology.
By 2023, 15,000 jobs worldwide could be affected by “changes”. Many employees are given further qualifications and new jobs are created in future areas.
In contrast, job cuts are planned in the classic divisions. Production is running out at several locations, and the Roding plant in the Upper Palatinate is to be closed entirely in a few years.
More: Daimler sees great potential in the business with extras that can be booked retrospectively, How Apple the automaker wants to grow with digital services.