Continental : EICMA 2015: New Human Machine Interface generation from Continental makes motorcycles intelligent

• Broad portfolio - electronic instrument cluster for premium and entry-level models
• TFT instrument cluster can display virtually every piece of information
• A look into the future - connectivity solution gives motorcyclists more safety

Milan, November 2015. With more than 100 years of experience in research and development, Continental stands for progressive product solutions, a pragmatic approach and high quality in the instrumentation of all kinds of vehicles, including motorcycles. The prestigious EICMA international motorcycle show runs from November 19 to 22, 2015, in Milan - and it's here that the company will showcase a wide range of customized instrumentation solutions, from high-quality TFT units for high-end motorcycles to electronic instrument clusters for emerging markets. Continental will also introduce its Connectivity Box concept that enables new and intelligent additional functions through networking. The new products can be seen in Hall 15, Booth R04.

At EICMA International Motorcycle Show, Continental will be exhibiting Electronic Instrument Clusters (IC) - a flexible 100 percent electronic solution for motorcycle manufacturers in price-sensitive segments. Download Image (JPG)

Multifunctionality and optimized stability

Continental has a broad portfolio for all segments of the booming motorcycle market, from low-cost single displays to highly modern, fully integrated digital cockpits. The electronic instrument cluster (IC) with its integrated speed sensor also enables motorcycle manufacturers with price-sensitive target segments to switch from a mechanical to a purely electronic solution that is robust, reliable, accurate and flexible. 'Products like this enable motorcycle manufacturers to meet the continuously increasing demands of new growing markets like China and India in a cost effective way,' says Dr. Michael Ruf, Head of the Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket Business Unit at Continental. Development costs for vehicle manufacturers are optimized, because the mechanical signal is converted into an electronic signal in the cluster itself - so there's no need to change the shaft or the drive of the mechanical solution.

Continental's TFT Instrument Clusters provide motorcyclists with almost every possible piece of information imaginable, from speed to air temperature to navigation maps or a smartphone screen.Download Image (JPG)

High-tech displays for motorcycles

Continental's TFT displays are the best examples of the advantages of fully electronic displays. They can show almost all the information a rider could possibly need, from speed, outdoor temperature and navigation maps to grip heater settings and the smartphone screen. The rugged design fully meets the extreme conditions found in motorcycle cockpits - conditions which can differ greatly due to changes in the weather. The Continental developers placed great value on perfect display readability - and the resulting high contrast means that riders can easily read the displayed information in all lighting conditions. 'Motorcycle manufacturers benefit greatly from this intelligent product design, which gives them a lot of scope in cockpit design. The TFT units can be totally integrated into a wide range of concepts to match any manufacturer's specific requirements,' says Ruf.

The Connectivity Box guarantees a new driving experience

Connectivity is one of the key words in the world of motorized two-wheelers. At the EICMA, Continental will present its study of a Connectivity Box - a compact electronic device that not only enables the internal networking of the motorcycle, but also connects it with other devices and the outside world. The box transforms motorcycles into intelligent networked vehicles with many new applications, it improves the driving experience and enhances comfort and safety at the same time. With its high-resolution TFT display, the system can clearly show the rider information like tire pressure - but it can also communicate with the environment, via the eCall function for instance. The eCall emergency call system can be triggered manually, but it can also be set to call emergency numbers automatically in the case of a bad accident. To do this, the box automatically transmits the exact accident location via GPS data. It also provides collision warnings, displays traffic signal phase data and gives warnings when changing lanes. Thanks to its eHorizon functionality, the box even detects possible environmental dangers and informs the driver accordingly. The Connectivity Box also connects with smart watches and processes information like body temperature and heart rate - it can even give the rider haptic feedback via special gloves. And the Continental future will see all the important information shown in a head-up display on the driver's visor. 'With the Connectivity Box, we have developed a system that makes the motorcycle truly fit for the future - for more safety and more driving enjoyment,' says Ruf.