Continental Wins 2019 Automotive INNOVATIONS Award for Intelligent Door System

Continental recently won the 2019 Automotive INNOVATIONS Award for its intelligent door system. The company was the winner in the category “Most Innovative Automotive Supplier Interior and Interface” for its smart autonomous door that has the capability to open and close automatically in order to provide users with greater convenience. The company’s technology was termed as one of the most innovative projects in the automotive industry in a contest that was held by the Center of Automotive Management (CAM). CAM presents the Automotive INNOVATIONS awards in collaboration with Price Waterhouse Coopers every year and this was the eighth edition of the awards. The awards were presented during a gala event in Frankfurt.

Continental’s new system not only enhances the comfort of motorists but also their safety as it uses technologies like the intelligent door braking system and the smart autonomous door to prevent doors from slamming shut. Continental was also the second prize winner in the category “Drive” with its Super Clean Electrified Diesel, a technological solution that reduces fuel consumption and thus also CO2 emissions.

Commenting on the awards, Helmut Matschi, member of the Continental Executive Board and Head of the Interior division said that it the recognition the company got for its intelligent door system was a source of great pride and will further motivate the company to increase the comfort and safety of all road users.

Professor Dr. Stefan Bratzel, Director of CAM and jury president said  that currently, we are witnessing the biggest transformation in the history of the automotive industry as the car as a product is changing at a rapid pace. With new players like China becoming highly competitive, German automobile manufacturers need to be highly innovative. The newcomers have made great progress from a technological perspective and are preparing to take over as innovation leaders.

By combining PASE, Continental’s solution for keyless access and starting of the engine, with the power door control function, Continental created an intelligent touch-free door system that makes it possible for doors to be opened and closed automatically, at the right time and on the relevant side of the vehicle. This is important function, especially with the advent of driverless vehicles, as they need to be able to open and close their doors, even in the absence of operators and door handles.

The door brake system’s anti-pinch protection and automated obstacle detection also prevents users from getting their fingers caught in the door and vehicles from being damaged. Another advantage lies in the system’s variable gap angle: doors open smoothly in any position without catching and can be safely stopped in any position.