A single line will handle production initially, but additional lines are in preparation to satisfy the demand of OEMs manufacturing in the US.

We plan to produce some three million short range radar sensors in Seguin in 2016. The numbers say something about how rapidly demand is rising for short range radar functions like Blind Spot Detection or parking assistant systems. Legislation is a driving force but also our customers’ desire for increased safety and comfort is providing a major impetus.

—Karlheinz Haupt, head of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business, Continental’s Chassis & Safety Division

Continental has experienced rapid growth in the business with sensor technologies such as camera, lidar and radar. Since production began in 1999, Continental has turned out more than 10 million sensors, 4.5 million last year alone. Next year should see the 26-million mark, some ten million of which will be radar sensors (short- and long range radars).

However, cameras—mono, stereo and camera systems for 360-degree surround detection—are also booming. Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Headlamp Control plus such functions as Traffic Sign Recognition and camera-based parking assistant systems are becoming increasingly popular in all classes of cars.

Short range radar sensors by Continental are used in applications such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The BSD feature warns drivers of cars lurking in the blind spot, making passing and lane changes safer and more manageable, both in city traffic and in highway driving. The RCTA feature detects crossing traffic behind the vehicle while the car is backing out, helping to avoid accidents that can often result in serious injuries.