ContiTech Press Releases

Hanover/New Delhi, December 2011Interior trim materials protect people and the environment • Drive belts improve noise and emissions performance • Engine mount and structural components made of polyamide reduce weight • Air spring systems for greater safety and comfort

Cars are becoming ever more environmentally friendly: The manufacturing process is consuming less energy, the use of renewable raw materials is saving fossil fuels and new drive concepts are reducing CO2 emissions. The technology corporation ContiTech develops and manufactures a number of components and systems to make cars more sustainable, comfortable and safe. The company is showcasing its innovative solutions, including interior trim materials, drive belts, air springs and vibration control technology solutions at the Auto Expo India from January 5–11, 2012, in New Delhi (hall 1-A, booth 1A.2).

Life cycle assessment for interior trim materials
Benecke-Kaliko has drawn up an life cycle assessment for many of its products, including Acella® Eco Natural, the interior trim material for vehicle seats and doors. When compared with the standard trim material, Acella Eco Natural – which contains at least 50% renewable raw materials – exhibited a 15% better CO2 balance. Part of the Acella® Eco family, Acella® Eco Natural is a product particularly kind to the skin and low in emissions. The Acella® Eco line-up has received Öko-Tex®’s most demanding certificate – the Öko-Tex® Standard 100. The products have thus been shown to be suitable for prolonged contact with human skin. Windowsill trim and a vehicle seat will be on display at the ContiTech stand to demonstrate the quality of the materials.

Drive belts reduce emissions
Drive belts are a key component in reducing engine fuel consumption and lowering emissions. The CONTI® GREEN RUNNER timing belt replaces timing chains in the engine and cuts CO2 emissions. Another advantage of the belt is that there is less noise buildup than with chain drives It is not just in the timing chain that drive belts can help improve the carbon footprint. With the CONTI® UNIPOWER ECO2-FLEX, ContiTech has developed a belt with enhanced flexural flexibility that reduces power loss in auxiliary unit drives. Elastic multiple V-ribbed belts also support the trend toward lightweight construction, because they allow manufacturers to dispense with tensioning systems.

ContiTech also produces original-quality drive belts for the automotive aftermarket. The company is showcasing its complete timing belt package at the Auto Expo India. As well as the belt itself, this package contains all the components required to expertly change the belt, ensuring the safety of both the engine and the mechanic.

Reduced weight thanks to structural components made of synthetic material
Engine mount and structural components made of polyamide are another way in which ContiTech reduces weight in vehicles. The company already supplies engine mounts made of polyamide to General Motors (SGM Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Cruze models, for example), BMW, and Porsche. These ultra-strong components shave 50 percent off the weight of a comparable conventional aluminum engine mount. In this way, ContiTech supports manufacturers in the development of lighter vehicles that are therefore also lower in emissions. Areas exposed to high loads are optimally designed: The mounts meet all requirements and weigh not a gram too much. Alongside its other products, ContiTech will also be featuring a torque reaction mount made of polyamide at the trade show.

Air spring systems for greater safety
Vehicles all over the world are fitted with ContiTech air spring systems: The level control of these air spring systems guarantees constant spring travel in commercial vehicles. Comfort and safety are thus maintained, independently from the load. In addition to rolling lobe and convoluted air springs for axle suspension systems in trucks, trailers and buses, ContiTech also supplies sleeve-type air springs for cabs and seat mounts. Its exhibition portfolio will also contain double convoluted air springs that are used for lifting and lowering lift axles.