Germany – Economy and cost efficiency are the all-important factors in commercial transportation. Fleets can only generate profits while ensuring maximum sustainability if they operate efficiently. It is important to note that the actual purchase price of the vehicles is the least important factor overall – the operating costs are much more significant.

The Automotive Divisions of Continental know the importance of this fact and, at the IAA Commercial Vehicles fair in Hanover (21-30 September), they will therefore be exhibiting numerous innovative technologies, products and services which allow commercial vehicle manufacturers to make their vehicles safer, more economical and cleaner while also allowing them to exchange information more intelligently. This is because trucks, vans and buses can only really be operated in a cost-efficient manner if they have fewer accidents, keep their fuel consumption as low as possible and can consistently exchange data with the driver and their surroundings.

Safety, efficiency and networking for lower operating costs
The figures are as impressive as they are clear – only 10% of the total cost of ownership of a commercial vehicle is made up by the purchase price. The operating costs make up a much larger share. Fuel and maintenance invoices, personnel expenses, tax, toll charges and insurance: 90% of the costs are incurred during the first four years, long after the vehicle has been bought and paid for. This is why improving the efficiency of a commercial vehicle mainly involves lowering the operating costs.

This not only requires clever decisions at fleet headquarters, but also intelligent technology and innovative services such as those being presented by Continental at the IAA Commercial Vehicles fair. With solutions such as a radar for the emergency braking assistant which can now also detect stationary obstacles, greater usage of highly modern piezo fuel injection technology and hybrid drive technology or the new “Simplify your Drive” operating and system concept for preconfigured commercial vehicle profiles, accidents can be reduced, consumption and pollutant emissions from the drivetrain can be lowered and the complex flow of information both within and outside of the vehicle can be improved. Above all, however, these features also significantly reduce operating costs in all areas.

Source: http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/com/en/continental/pressportal/themes/press_releases/categoryNavigation_overview_press_en.html