Continental’s New ABS System For Two Wheelers

Germany's Continental, world's 4th largest tyre manufacturer and also a leading and automotive parts manufacturer, has introduced a small, low cost, one-channel ABS system.

The new low cost ABS system has been specially designed for small displacement commuter two wheelers, mostly used in Asian countries. The new compact single channel ABS system has a volume of about 300 cubic centimeters and weighs about 420 grams.

Continental's One-Channel ABS Increases Driving Safety of Every Motorcycle Type

ABS for motorcycles prevents the front wheels locking up when braking, thus reducing the driver's risk of having an accident

Bangalore, July 30, 2013. Motorcyclists love the feeling of freedom and adventure. But the open road conceals many hazards and motorcyclists are particularly at risk. A locked-up front wheel almost always leads to a fall.

With 1.43 lakh deaths in 2011, India tops the list of nations in total number of road deaths, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report. A significant part of these accidents involve motorcycles. According to an accident research of the German automobile club (ADAC), around a fifth of all motorcycle accidents could have been prevented, if the motorbike had been fitted with an anti-lock brake system (ABS). Just like cars, it is also important for motorcycles to remain stable and steerable during a panic brake situation.

To improve the active safety of motorcycles, international automotive supplier Continental is expanding its range of electronic brake systems by introducing a one-channel ABS for smaller motorcycles and scooters. Based on its proven ABS technology for passenger cars it was developed especially for cost-sensitive markets such as Asia, whereas the two-wheelers must be equipped only with a hydraulic brake on the front wheel.

Production launch of the one-channel ABS is planned for the beginning of 2014. With a box volume of significantly less than 300 cubic centimeters and weighing roughly 420 grams the motorcycle ABS is very light and can be easily applied to suit the widest range of motorcycle and motor scooter models. ABS control of the front wheel stops it from locking up even during a panic brake by the driver and prevents a fall. A wheel speed sensor constantly monitors the front wheel's turning speed and from this the algorithms in the control unit calculate whether braking could potentially cause the front wheel to lock up. If so, the system will reduce the brake pressure, thus preventing loss of directional stability and road holding.

The one-channel ABS is the newest addition to Continental's portfolio of motorcycle systems currently in series production: Motorcycle Integral Brake Systems and Motorcycle Anti-Lock Brake Systems (2-Channel ABS).

"In line with our Motto, ‘Safety for Everyone', we want to make the one-channel ABS available to all road users and offer motorcyclists a significant safety gain", said Murali Srinivasan, Managing Director of Continental Automotive Brake Systems India.

Just how great the requirement is, throughout Asia for example, is demonstrated by a study into global traffic safety carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2009. It found that roughly 28 percent of traffic fatalities in India and China were suffered by drivers of two and three-wheeled vehicles. In countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, the figure rose to 61 and 70 percent respectively.

The 2010 DEKRA Traffic Safety Report in Germany showed that ABS could either prevent many accidents or reduce the severity of their impact. It even concluded that 25 to 35 percent of the serious accidents analyzed in the report could have been prevented, had the motorcycles been fitted with ABS. "The widespread use of ABS for motorcycles and scooters would contribute considerably to reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities", said Srinivasan.

With sales of €32.7 billion in 2012, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires, and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently has approximately 173,000 employees in 46 countries.

The Automotive Group with its three divisions Chassis & Safety (sales of approximately €7.0 billion in 2012, 34,500 employees), Powertrain (sales of approximately €6.1 billion in 2012, 31,000 employees) and Interior (sales of approximately €6.4 billion in 2012, 33,000 employees) achieved sales of approximately €19.5 billion in 2012. The Automotive Group is present in more than 170 locations worldwide. As a partner of the automotive and commercial vehicle industry, it develops and produces innovative products and systems for a modern automotive future, in which cars provide individual mobility and driving pleasure consistent with driving safety, environmental responsibility and cost-efficiency.

The Chassis & Safety Division develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake and chassis control systems, sensors, driver assistance systems, airbag electronics and -sensorics, washer systems and electronic air suspension systems. Its core competence is the integration of active and passive driving safety into ContiGuard. The Powertrain Division integrates innovative and efficient system solutions for vehicle powertrains. The comprehensive range of products includes gasoline and diesel injection systems, engine management, transmission control, including sensors and actuators, as well as fuel-supply systems and components and systems for hybrid and electric drives.

Information management is at the very heart of the Interior Division, which provides a range of products that includes instrument clusters and multifunctional displays, control units, electronic car-entry systems, tire-monitoring systems, radios, multimedia and navigation systems, climate control systems, telematics solutions and cockpit modules and systems.