Continental receives first major order for OLED displays

Consumer electronics fans have been using OLED devices for a long time. Continental is now also impressing car drivers with its organic LED products. The technology company has earned its first major order for OLED displays (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) in a production vehicle from a global vehicle manufacturer, with a total order volume of around €1 billion. The multi-display stretches from the driver’s area to the center console and integrates two screens, which are optically bonded behind a curved glass surface. Production of the display solution is scheduled to start in 2023.

“With the OLED technology in our multi-display solution, home movie enthusiasts now also have the full experience in cars. Our OLED display once again demonstrates that we are pioneers in the digital evolution of the cockpit,” says Ulrich Lüders, head of Strategy and Portfolio at Continental’s Human Machine Interface business unit. “The integrated OLED display ensures a first-class user experience and offers automotive manufacturers a further opportunity for differentiation and individualization.”

Among other things, OLED technology delivers an aesthetically appealing user experience because it’s self-illuminating. This means that no backlighting is required, in contrast to conventional LCD displays, which results in extremely lightweight and flat units, and significantly increases design freedom thanks to the compact dimensions. The technology also allows for more complex shapes and curved installation of the display. The screen’s slim bezel rounds off the overall visual package and creates a satisfying appearance. The OLED display also impresses with its brilliant deep black background, which increases contrast and improves readability. In addition, organic LEDs offer a very wide range of colors, making them the ideal basis for high-quality, user-friendly content. Thanks to OLED, contrast and color diversity are consistent over a very wide viewing angle of almost 180° without loss, which makes the display in the center console particularly attractive for passengers.

Lower energy requirements for greater sustainability

Thanks to the self-illuminating property of the organic LEDs, the OLED display is extremely sustainable and energy-saving. Instead of the entire backlighting of conventional screens, OLED technology only ever illuminates the pixels required for the currently relevant information to human-machine interaction. As a result, the OLED solution consumes much less energy than a comparable LCD screen for typical automotive content, reducing energy requirements.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2020, Continental generated sales of €37.7 billion and currently employs around 193,000 people in 58 countries and markets. In 2021, the company celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Networking, informing, integrating: The Vehicle Networking and Information (VNI) business area is developing building blocks and end-to-end systems on these strategic pillars for connected mobility: Hardware, software, and services. By providing solutions for networking, human-machine interaction, system integration and high-performance computing for cars, commercial vehicles and fleets, VNI ensures functioning networks and a smooth flow of information.