Sustainable materials and world firsts from Continental

SponsoredContinental Aftermarket
New components bring sustainability to the workshop

12.09.2024

3 min reading time

Sustainability in the workshop, is that possible? Yes! With sustainable materials, world firsts in the expanded product portfolio and knowledge of customer requirements, Continental supports workshops on the path to a more sustainable future.

Sustainable mobility is becoming more and more popular in workshops – and not just in the form of electric cars. Workshop customers are also increasingly expecting environmentally friendly materials and sustainable spare parts when they bring their vehicle in for service. The trend can pay off economically for companies – if more environmentally friendly products are available. Continental is committed to this and is presenting an expanded range of spare and wear parts and numerous new products with a focus on sustainability at this year’s Automechanika.

Technological change + sustainability = ATE New Original

In addition to the ATE Original line of the premium brake brand ATE, there is now ATE New Original – a new product line that optimally combines service life, braking performance, comfort and sustainability. The brakes meet the higher requirements and standards that come with the shift towards electromobility and stricter environmental regulations such as the reduction of fine dust through the Euro 7 standard. In addition, the ATE New Original brake pads are copper-free and therefore comply with the “US Better Brake Law” to minimize toxic materials in brake components. This means that retailers and workshops have a product range that is perfectly tailored to the growing fleet of electric vehicles and is constantly being expanded.

World first: SecuBrake brake fluid without hazardous substances

Also making its debut at Automechanika is the new SecuBrake brake fluid from ATE, the world’s first DOT-4 brake fluid that is free of boric acid esters and therefore does not contain any hazardous substances that require labeling. This means fewer toxins are released into the environment and handling and storage in the workshop are made much easier.

SecuBrake is produced sustainably using a certified manufacturing process using renewable raw materials – entirely in Germany, including the packaging. The more sustainable production and short transport routes lead to a significantly improved CO2 footprint compared to conventional brake fluids. SecuBrake naturally undergoes strict and regular quality controls.

“Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in the automotive aftermarket,” says Enno Straten, head of the Automotive Aftermarket business segment at Continental. “Above all, it can pay off economically.” However, in order for workshops to earn good money with sustainability, the corresponding environmentally friendly products are necessary. Products such as our new SecuBrake brake fluid and the ATE New Original product line are a good example of what is already possible here today.”

And then there is a real world first: The CONTI NXT is the world’s first V-ribbed belt that uses tension cords made from recycled PET bottles, a textile cover layer made from organic fibers, rubber certified according to the Mass Balance Standard and recycled carbon black. Overall, the belt is made of almost two-thirds sustainable materials compared to conventional V-ribbed belts.

Major portfolio offensive: New product groups and services

In addition to the increased focus on sustainability, new technologies and vehicle functions are also a major topic for workshops. “More and more vehicles are coming into the workshop with these safety-relevant driver assistance systems,” explains Straten. “Only those who are prepared for this and have the right spare parts and qualifications will be able to earn good money in the future.” Continental is responding to these increasing technical requirements by significantly expanding its aftermarket portfolio in original equipment quality.

The new product groups that will be added now and in the coming months include, for example, sensors for driver assistance systems, which are being installed in more and more mid-range and small cars. The first ones are multifunctional camera modules, long-range radar, ACC and blind spot radar systems, as well as radar and camera sensors.

Continental is also continuing to expand its range of spare parts and components: throttle valves and high-pressure petrol pumps have now joined the classic product groups such as petrol feed units, sensors for engine management, exhaust control valves and air mass pressure gauges. And Continental is also significantly expanding its portfolio outside of the powertrain: in the future, workshops will also be able to order spare parts for wheel bearings and other spare parts for the chassis and steering. In total, Continental is expanding its product portfolio by more than 700 new part numbers.

The product range is complemented by services for high-quality repairs – such as “Remote Support”, a new digital service offering with which Continental supports workshops with repairs via video chat.

The Continental trade fair appearance at this year’s Automechanika in Frankfurt is under the motto “Shaping Tomorrow. Together!”.

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