Continental and Vitesco Technologies Unveils Broad Range Of New Motorcycle Models

For the first time this year, two company names can be seen at the Continental stand of Milan's EICMA, the world's most important motorcycle trade fair: The previous Powertrain Division, which was spun off as part of the Group' s organizational restructuring, is now called Vitesco Technologies; the other divisions will continue to operate under the name Continental. What has not changed, however, is the broad range of pioneering products the technology group offers in the two-wheel sector. The innovations presented in Milan include cloud-based services and easy-to-implement connected services solutions, as well as a flexible camera system, multifunctional engine controls and motorcycle tires for all types of terrain.

Vitesco Technologies: Broad portfolio, 48-volt electric drive ready to go

Like Continental Powertrain, Vitesco Technologies offers a broad portfolio of innovative products in the field of two-wheel and Powersports, ranging from engine control systems and a variety of sensors and actuators to fuel and exhaust management systems. The solutions are tailored to the specific requirements of the individual markets and meet the latest emission standards such as Euro 5 (starting January 2020), China 4 including on-board diagnostics (OBD, since July 2019) and Bharat 6 including OBD (starting April 2020 in India). In addition, Vitesco Technologies is intensively involved in electric drives for two-wheelers, benefiting from comprehensive know-how gained in the passenger car sector, where Continental has long been a pioneer in drive electrification. 

Initially, the focus here will be on the Asian markets. For this reason, the first step consisted in developing a drive system capable of replacing combustion engines with an engine displacement of up to 150 cc: a 48-volt machine complete with associated electronics, which will soon begin serial production.

Engine controls featuring many additional functions – tailor-made for Asian markets

Vitesco Technologies' EICMA innovations will focus on the latest generation of engine control systems for single-cylinder gasoline engines with an engine displacement of 50 to 250 cc – again with a clear focus on Asia. In this "Air Module Engine Control Unit," all the essential components for controlling the combustion engine are integrated into the throttle valve housing. Since gasoline injection is becoming the standard in Asian markets due to stricter emission standards, Vitesco Technologies has tailor-made products for these markets in its portfolio: the M4L engine control system, which has already gone into series production in China, and the M4A and M4B, which will celebrate their market premiere in India in 2020.