08/30/2010

• High Tech Centre: from the production of electronic brake systems and ignition modules to hybrid drive systems
• Investments of over €140 million and more than 1,200 employees

Budapest/Hungary, August 30, 2010. The plant of the Continental Corporation in Budapest is celebrating today twenty years of successful activities in the automotive industry in Hungary. Budapest produces vehicle electronic components and microelectronic circuit modules, using state-of-the-art and innovative technologies, being engaged in almost all areas of vehicle electronics for the Continental divisions Chassis & Safety, Powertrain and Interior, and sup­plies all major European car producers. Continental is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide.

Here you can download the press release as a Word document.

Click here for a Hungarian version of the press release.

The product range in Budapest includes brake systems, various comfort and chassis elec­tronic components, sensor clusters, electronic control units for electronic stability systems and hybrid drive systems, body control electronics, oil sensors etc. The plant in Budapest with its 1,200 employees, including around 300 engineers celebrated today this special anni­versary in the presence of Dr. Elmar Degenhart, Chairman of the Executive Board of Conti­nental, the local management, the employees and guests from the local authorities. The 10^th District Mayor Lajos Verbai, Gabriel Brennauer, Managing Director of the German-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and representatives of the Hungarian Investment and Trade Development Agency (ITD) also attended the event.

“Continental celebrates today twenty years of success of its automotive electronics plant in Hungary. Extraordinary achievements are only possible with joint team efforts therefore, on  this special occasion, I address to our Budapest team, to the local authorities, our collabora­tors and partners, personally and on behalf of the Executive Board of Continental our sincere appreciation,” said Degenhart at the event.

The Budapest plant develops and produces high-tech technology for the automotive industry and is one of the major investors in the automotive sector in Budapest – having invested al­ready more than €140 million and employs around 1,200. “Continental has a long term busi­ness commitment in Budapest and our goal is to continue this success story in the future,” added Degenhart.

Luc Quisthoudt, Managing Director of the plant, who has been playing a significant role in the success story of the company during the last three years pointed out: ”The company has come a long way from the production of ignition modules to manufacturing hybrid drive sys­tems. The past twenty years have been about continuous development, thanks to the per­sistent efforts of the employees.” Furthermore he added: “I am proud to state that we are an excellent team who achieved great results by contributing to sustainable, intelligent mobility and increased safety in the automotive industry.” Following the ceremonial speeches an award was presented to the employees who have joined the company more than 20 years ago. Another 160 employees celebrating their 10^th, 15^th, or 20^th anniversary of employment were honoured as well on this occasion. The event was closed with a two hours entertain­ment programme for the employees.

A new project aims equipping the plant with technology, in order to be able to introduce new production lines for innovative automotive products like: electronic control units of hybrid drive systems, chassis control systems and EBS brake control electronics. With this project around 175 additional jobs for engineers and manufacturing staff will be created by the end of 2012.