Continental has reached a major industry milestone with the production of 200 million radar sensors, cementing its leadership in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous mobility technologies.
This milestone, achieved just four years after hitting the 100-million mark in 2021, underscores the exponential growth of radar deployment in modern vehicles. From a single sensor in the early days to nine or more radar units in today’s high-tech vehicles, Continental’s technology has evolved to support a wide range of functions—from adaptive cruise control and emergency braking to blind spot detection and autonomous parking.
Celebrating the announcement, Ismail Dagli, Head of the Autonomous Mobility business area, remarked, “The mark of 200 million sensors produced – and the major series orders – emphasize that Continental stands for high-tech engineering, pioneering spirit, and customized technology solutions for every application in the automotive market.”
In Q1 2024, Continental secured new radar sensor orders worth approximately €1.5 billion from global automakers, with production rollouts scheduled for 2026 and 2027. These orders include a mix of short- and long-range radars for various mobility applications across cars, trucks, and even two-wheelers.
Continental’s radar journey began in 1999, when the first-generation long-range radar debuted on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That early system was large, heavy, and expensive. Today’s smart radar sensors, by contrast, are compact—roughly the size of two matchboxes—and powered by integrated microchips capable of real-time data processing, often in conjunction with AI-driven perception systems.
These advanced systems not only support Level 2+ and Level 3 autonomous driving but also offer critical benefits in scenarios difficult for human drivers—such as detecting fast-approaching motorcycles or partially obscured pedestrians in urban traffic. Continental’s 4D imaging radar technology, slated to replace current long-range models, will further push the envelope in autonomy by enabling detailed object recognition at up to 300 meters.
With its platform approach, Continental delivers radar solutions tailored for premium vehicles, mass-market cars, commercial trucks, and emerging two-wheeler markets worldwide. From safety-critical ADAS functions to cutting-edge autonomous driving applications, the company’s radar systems have become indispensable in today’s mobility landscape.
Founded in 1871, Continental continues to pioneer connected and sustainable mobility solutions. In 2024, the company generated €39.7 billion in sales and employs around 190,000 people across 55 countries and markets.
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