Safer, More Efficient, and Even More Convenient: Continental Is Driving Forward Interconnected Technologies in Commercial Vehicles

• Interconnectivity paves the way for new applications and services for handling performance, vehicle management, logistics, and automated driving
• Dynamic eHorizon: anticipatory driving with real-time information about the route
• Road Database: Automatically record and process highly accurate route data
• ContiPressureCheck: Lower operating costs thanks to improved fuel efficiency and optimized tire management

Hanover, August 2016. Data carriers on wheels: In modern trucks and buses, around 170 sensors record data, more than 90 electronic control units process the data, and roughly 150 actuators convert the data into mechanical movement. Thanks to the Internet, the data can be shared easily and external information can be added to them. Increased interconnectivity paves the way for new applications and services for handling performance, vehicle management, logistics, and automated driving. Continental will be presenting several examples of this at this year's International Motor Show Commercial Vehicles (IAA Commercial Vehicles) in Hanover. At Stand A06 in Hall 17, visitors will see for themselves how the ContiPressureCheck system monitors the pressure and temperature of all tires consistently, even while driving. This saves fuel and reduces the risk of a flat tire.The dynamic eHorizon, a sensor system that supplies vehicles with real-time information, creates even more potential savings and provides additional safety. This allows the handling performance to be adapted to the current traffic situation in good time.

The dynamic eHorizon from Continental anticipates the road ahead and is just as efficient in urban traffic. With data on traffic light phases, the vehicle can implement an optimum driving strategy. Photo: Continental
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A look around the corner: Dynamic eHorizon knows the traffic situation in detail

It is estimated that trucks with eHorizon from Continental have saved over 246 million liters of diesel, or €285 million, since 2012. The sensor system uses highly accurate topographical route data and a GPS signal to provide the control units in the vehicle with information about the route ahead. These then adapt the driving style and speed automatically. Continental is continuously developing this successful series product. The final stage of expansion, the dynamic eHorizon, is a highly accurate information carrier that is always up to date. Thanks to real-time information, it even takes into account dynamic events such as weather, accidents, or traffic jams.

Several applications will be used at the IAA to demonstrate the advantages of the system. If the data sources report a traffic jam or roadworks, for example, the dynamic eHorizon forwards this information to the control units. These then prompt the vehicle to coast or shift down a gear. By providing this information in good time, the system not only saves fuel, but can prevent serious accidents by warning drivers of dangers they cannot yet see, such as the tail of a traffic jam around a bend. The technology therefore forms an important basis for automated driving. The dynamic eHorizon also anticipates the road ahead and is just as efficient in urban traffic. With data on traffic light phases, the vehicle can implement an optimum driving strategy.

In addition to other sources, the dynamic eHorizon is supplied with highly accurate, up-to-date route information by the Road Database solution, also developed by Continental. The basic idea behind Road Database uses information from the various vehicle sensors and combines it to create a machine-readable image of the road. It is transmitted wirelessly to a backend, which uses the data provided by several vehicles, such as lane changes or a new traffic sign, to create accurate route data, which it then transmits to all affected vehicles.

Networked tire pressure monitoring at low overall costs

Low tire pressure often results in high operating costs for trucks and buses.In tests on its own test tracks, Continental was able to show that fuel consumption over 100 kilometers increases by 0.7 liters when the tire pressure in a fully loaded truck is just 2 bar too low.The day-to-day stress experienced by drivers often distracts them from keeping a constant eye on tire pressure. The ContiPressureCheck system can help.It uses sensors inside the tires to monitor the pressure and temperature of all tires on the vehicle continuously, during travel and in real time. The data are recorded constantly and shown to the driver on a display. If the tire pressure deviates from the nominal value, the system issues a warning immediately. This enables the driver to take instant measures to eliminate the problem and restore the tire pressure to the normal value.

The ContiPressureCheck sensors inside the tires monitor the pressure and temperature of all tires on the vehicle continuously, during travel. The data are recorded constantly and shown to the driver on a display. Photo: Continental
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The system therefore helps to reduce fuel consumption and tire wear while at the same time increasing the service life. With increased efficiency and a longer tire service life, the operating costs of the fleet are reduced. Operators can reduce their operating costs by approximately €1,200 per vehicle per year while improving safety for drivers and vehicles alike.Thanks to a reduction in CO emissions, ContiPressureCheck also makes a positive contribution to sustainability. The continuous measurement of tire pressure also increases the safety of the vehicles, as it reduces the risk of a flat tire.

ContiPressureCheck is quick and easy to install and can also be retrofitted at a later point when the tires are changed. It is compatible with various telematics systems. It is integrated in the VDO TIS-Web fleet management software from Continental - a result of the successful collaboration between the Commercial Vehicles and Aftermarket divisions, responsible for commercial vehicle and trade activities at Continental, and Continental Commercial Vehicle Tires, the tire division for commercial vehicles. Fleet managers can see the tire pressure and temperature data directly on their screen. They can use this information to react proactively to tire pressure that is too low and consequently maintain the value of the carcass for the entire service life of the tire.