One million digital tachographs produced
Continental is celebrating a production milestone
Villingen-Schwenningen/Germany, January 17, 2008
On January 17, 2008, at the Villingen-Schwenningen plant, the one millionth VDO DTCO 1381 digital tachograph came off the production line. The device records driving and rest times electronically, in mass memory and on a chip card. At the same time, the company has also put together a comprehensive service package for all target groups that utilize the device.
Just two and a half years after the start of series production, one million VDO DTCO 1381 digital tachographs have been assembled. This production milestone was celebrated on January 17, 2008 at the Villingen-Schwenningen location. The company has been producing devices that record driving and rest time on a diagram chart since as far back as 1923. From that time onward, the company has produced 15 million analog tachographs. Production of the digital tachograph began in summer 2005. As the market leader in this segment, the company offers the device along with a large number of services having to do with all aspects of the tachograph. These services range from a data download key and data management software for fleet operators to special training programs for all user groups and even a comprehensive Internet portal published in a number of European languages. A densely knit network of about 10,000 experienced, specially trained partner workshops assists fleet operators Europe-wide with device service, calibration, and the testing that is required every two years. “One million DTCOs – it’s an impressive number,” emphasized Christoph Maximilian Eisenhardt, head of the Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket Business Unit: “This success is attributable not only to our technical know-how and years of experience, but also to the comprehensive selection of services we offer having to do with the tachograph.” The digital tracking device was introduced by the European Union to increase security against tampering. The new technology is mandatory for all trucks and transporters with a maximum permissible weight of over 3.5 tons and busses with more than eight seats that were newly registered after May 1, 2006.
With sales exceeding €24 billion in 2008, the Continental Corporation is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. The corporation currently employs approximately 133,000 at nearly 190 locations in 35 countries.
The Automotive Group is one of the leading global automotive suppliers. With its three Divisions Chassis & Safety (5.1 billion €, 27,000 employees), Powertrain (4 billion €, 25,000 employees) and Interior (5.9 billion €, more than 30,000 employees) it achieved sales of approximately 15 billion € in 2008. The Automotive Group is present in more than 130 locations worldwide. As a partner of the automotive and commercial vehicle industry, it develops and produces innovative products and systems for a modern automotive future, in which a car accommodates individual mobility and driving pleasure to driving safety, environmental responsibility and cost-efficiency.
Within the Continental Interior Division the Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket Business Unit accommodates the specific requirements of the commercial vehicle, special vehicle and aftermarket sector. A global network of sales and service companies ensures proximity to local customers. Covering the product brands Continental, VDO, ATE and Barum the Business Unit offers electronic products, systems and services for commercial and special vehicles, a broad selection of products for specialized workshops and spare parts for the Independent Aftermarket and the Original Equipment Services after end of series production of the vehicle manufacturer.
