Cars continue to gain in importance as a result of the pandemic and have become an integral part of many people’s travel and leisure-time habits. This is one of the key findings of the representative Continental Mobility Study 2022, which renowned market research company infas conducted on behalf of Continental. 

According to the study, a majority of people in Germany regard cars as an essential part of their mobility and their personal living space. 54% of study respondents see their car as a place of personal refuge. More than half (53%) ) use a car or camper van/motor home for vacation trips.

The survey also found that people want to travel safely, conveniently and with freedom. They want driving to be safer and more convenient, but also more sustainable.  

With its product portfolio and innovations, Continental delivers tailored solutions for the changing demands placed on mobility. The technology and system components that Continental is supplying for the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz are one example. The latest addition to VW’s famous line of microbuses sets new standards for an increasingly conscious lifestyle and mobility that is geared toward freedom while also focusing on sustainability.

As a close cooperation and development partner of Volkswagen for many years, Continental played a significant role in the design and development of the ID. Buzz. The technology company made important technological contributions in virtually all areas of the cult van – from the software and central computer architecture to the brakes and the sophisticated thermal management system for cooling the batteries. 

Continental supplies a variety of high-performance components developed in-house for the ID. Buzz, including the In-Car Application Server 1 (ICAS 1). As a fully connected server, the ICAS 1 forms the central data hub in the vehicle and acts as an interface between the ID. Buzz and the digital world. Developed by Continental in close collaboration with its subsidiary Elekrobit, the central high-performance computer, which also supplies the operating system, allows new software functions and security updates to be installed in the vehicle at any time via a wireless connection.

At the same time, the ICAS 1 offers range-optimized route planning and locates charging stations for the electric microbus, rendering “electric” travelling easier and more convenient.

In addition, Continental contributed its technology expertise to the thermal management system, tyres and interior materials of the ID. Buzz. 

Electric vehicles place particularly high demands on thermal management systems, with several cooling circuits needed for the batteries to ensure extended ranges and long battery life. Among other components, Continental supplies the battery sensors and coolant lines for the ID. Buzz.