“This year we plan to increase R&D; staff strength in India by 30 per cent,” reported Claude dGama Rose, Managing Director, Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt. Ltd., in Bangalore. “All the more so in the face of past challenges, Continental will focus on our growth potential, especially in the BRIC countries. India is one of the key future markets for the company. We are excited about the opportunity of expanding in India, as we are keen to get on board qualified local engineers, both experienced and from campus, who in turn get an opportunity to work in a high-tech environment with state-of-the-art technology.”
Earlier this year Continental had announced its objective of above-average growth in Asia. In 2009, it had increased its sales in Asia so that it makes up 14 per cent of its sales today from the region.
Continental divisions currently operates out of main locations in India – Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Manesar and Pune – and are thus represented and connected to all major automotive hubs, and already serving most major OEMs operating in India.
In 2009 Continental established a new location for the Technical Centre in Bangalore. Together with engineers contracted from its partners, the center provides services of more than 600 highly skilled Indian engineers to Continental’s global automotive organization.
With sales of approximately Euro 20 billion in 2009 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, tyres and technical elastomers, Continental contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. It is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication, currently employing approximately 138,000 in 46 countries.
The Automotive Group with its three divisions – Chassis & Safety (sales of approximately Euro 5.1 billion in 2008, 27,000 employees), Powertrain (sales of approximately Euro 4 billion in 2008, 25,000 employees) and Interior (sales of approximately Euro 5.9 billion in 2008, 31,000 employees) – achieved overall sales of approximately Euro 15 billion in 2008. The Automotive Group is present in more than 130 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.
