Day: August 2, 2013

Emirates increases free baggage allowance

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Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines today announced that, passengers travelling in Economy Class from India to Dubai will be allowed to carry an additional 10 kgs of baggage for a limited period.

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According to a company statement, passengers in Economy Class will now be able to enjoy a total baggage allowance of 40 kilograms instead of the 30 kgs offered previously. This offer is valid for booking from August 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013 and for travel during the period September 10, 2013 to September 30, 2013. Emirates’ regular rates will be applied to baggage in excess of this allowance. Emirates currently operates 185 weekly flights from 10 Indian cities connecting 134 destinations across 76 countries on the Emirates global network.

Tenneco inaugurates piston rod manufacturing plant in Hosur

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Tenneco Inc, the US-based auto compoonent manufacturer today inaugurated a new state-of-the-art, fully integrated, DynaChrome® high speed hard chromium plating plant for piston rods at its Hosur ride performance plant, according to a company statement.

ImageDynaChrome facility opening Sudam Maitra, Chief Operating Officer (Supply Chain), Maruti Suzuki India; Sagar Hemade MD, Tenneco India; Hari Nair, Chief Operating Officer, Tenneco Inc and Pankaj Kapoor, DMD Tenneco Bang.

The environmentally friendly, zero-discharge facility is part of Tenneco India’s vertical integration strategy and will reduce the manufacturing lead time of piston rods – the most critical part of shock absorbers – in addition to saving water and energy.

Sagar Hemade, Managing Director, Tenneco India, said: “Today’s event celebrates Tenneco’s commitment to quality and innovation in products, processes and services. We are proud to commission such a facility that improves shock absorber quality and performance while improving our production process and shortening our time to market”. DynaChrome ® is a state-of-the-art, fully integrated and closed looped plating system with a high rate of chrome deposition.  The process is capable of plating the rod to the required size and it does not require any post chrome grinding operation. This reduces the consumption of chrome and conserves energy. Tenneco’s piston rod plant in Hosur employs 98 people in the production of piston rods for shock absorbers and struts. The 2.100 sqm facility supplies components for major domestic and international vehicle manufacturers.

The ceremony was attended by emminent personalites including Sudam Maitra, Chief Operating Officer (Supply Chain), Maruti Suzuki, Hari Nair, Chief Operating Officer, Tenneco Inc and TP Rajesh, District Collector.

ImageSagar Hemade MD Tenneco briefing Mr. Sudam Maitra, Chief Operating Officer (Supply Chain), Maruti Suzuki.

Tenneco is a $7.4 billion global manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and an estimated 25,000 employees globally. Tenneco is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of clean air and ride performance products and systems for automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment markets and the aftermarket. Tenneco’s principal brand names are Monroe®, Walker®, XNOx™ and Clevite®Elastomer.

Coram India premiers bathroom designs to members of Indian Institute of Architects

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Coram Indian showcased their pioneering concepts and coordinated bathroom designs at an architect’s meet organised by Indian Institute of Architects(IIA), North Chapter.

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Members of IIA come together on a regular basis to promote aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession both in Practice and in Education. Coram India who had associated with IIA for this particular meeting was able to create a lasting impression on the large gathering with a visual representation of their bathroom solutions. The company’s coordinated bathroom solutions not only scores high on design and aesthetic aspect but also is highly technologically driven making  the usage of water effective by conserving it to the highest possible level. The IIA members were extremely impressed with Coram’s Coordinated design bathroom solutions and believed that their products will be widely accepted here as Coram products have features and components which highly superior in terms of technology and usage friendliness, a statement issued by Coram India said. The IIA meeting was a gathering of leading architects Ashutosh agrawal, Rajiv Biala who discussed and sought solutions on various aspects.
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Rajnish Ohri, Managing Director, Coram India said: “It was a great honor and a golden opportunity to be a part of the biggest architect body of India. Architects are the ones who can truly comprehend the design, aesthetic and utilitarian value of a product and I was extremely happy to see that our products created an indelible impression on them.  With Indian consumers slowly awakening to the fact that bathroom can be a place to relax and revitalise, I am sure Coram’s coordinated bathroom solutions will become as popular in India as it is in the rest of the world”
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Coram is popular world over for offering the best-in-class coordinated bathroom solutions. For the Indian market they will create a “total experience” by coordinating not only the design language of all the products, but also by integrating user friendliness being driven by need base of the consumer. Unlike others Coram caters to the user by offering one stop solution for all the bathroom needs of the user.

The company also includes the possibility of endless amount of water, whilst at the same time reducing the water consumption. To achieve this, they have launched a new range of Extreme wellness showers. The new generation range of wellness shower come in a closed circuit system that ensures no wastage of water. A powerful pump takes in water from a built-in reservoir; pumps it around the system thus eliminating the need to supply any fresh water at all. This innovative technology provides 5000 litres of shower in 15 minutes by using just 55 litres. The wellness showers are designed in a way to give you a water fall experience with limited use of water thus making total savings on water greater than probably any other existing product in the market.  The company terms this as a ‘GUILT FREE’ experience”.
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The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is the national body of Architects in the country. Having started in the year 1917, the institute today has more than 15000 members. The Institute has a major role to play in promoting the profession of architecture by organising and uniting in fellowship the Architects of India to promote aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession both in Practice and in Education. IIA is represented on various national and international committees connected with architecture, art and the building industry and is also actively associated with International Union of Architects (UIA) Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation of Architects (SAARCH).

The Institute has a major role to play in promoting the profession of architecture. It has very large area and population of the Republic of India to serve. The ‘Outreach’ programmes are conducted through its Chapters and Centres who communicate with the public in various regional languages by using the press and electronic media. Public lectures are also arranged on commemorative days such as the World Environment Day, the World Habitat Day etc.

The Institute reaches out to the public through its Chapters and Centres. Some special programmes are also arranged at the headquarter, and other Chapters and centres involving international participation.
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Coram would like to begin its journey in India and what better way to flag off this beginning than by getting associated with IIA, the honourable body of the Architects Of India. Thus to commence this relationship, we would like to invite the honorary members of this prestigious body for an evening of Dinner and Drinks to celebrate our new venture with us.

Coram India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coram International, a leading European conglomerate which has interests in various businesses. The India operation helmed by Mr. Rajnish Ohri was incorporated in July 2012 at Gurgaon. Coram has keen focus on water conservation and its innovative products underline Coram’s commitment. Coram’s Extreme wellness showers  incorporate the latest in technology that  help save water up to 60 percent and electric bills  without compromising on the experience of wellness

Fusion Beats present Mosaic Town Collection from the house of 109°F

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t’s time to look ahead and step out in a dynamic bold spirit with abstract and geometric prints courtesy Mosaic Town collection by Fusion Beats from the house of , a company statement said.

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Geometric shapes and abstract patterns are no longer a thing of the past as rad and raging geometric designs ruled the runway this year, meaning geometric and abstract fashions are still in.
Inspired by abstract geometric patterns and mosaic stones, the Mosaic Town collection is a hot high-fashion style of this season. Abstract patterns tend to go beyond the usual patterns seen in floral, animal or tribal print trends as they’re essentially ‘not realistic’ and thus, will deliberately come in designs that distort the natural version of recognizable images. Vertical and horizontal stripes, squares and plaid are this collection’s standouts. Zigzags and complex geometric patterns are the scene stealers as well. This range from Fusion Beats offers acid bright in red, yellow, electric blue, corals and lime, offset with black and White.                                                                                                                                                              ImageThe abstract and geometric look is also one of the few real trends in women’s fashion. Versatile and easy-to-wear, the abstract and geometric print adds a contemporary twist, while injecting some pattern and texture into both day and night looks. These pieces are sure to last for years to come. An offering of colourful striped top with a triangular mosaic stone-like neck piece and interesting hangings on the waist tie is the essence of Mosaic Town collection by Fusion Beats. So, be bold and add a dash of eye-catching vigour to your wardrobe with geometric and abstract prints.
Speaking of this collection, Radhesh Kagzi, President of Fusion Beats said: “Purpose of fashion is to give you options so you never get bored. Mosaic Town collection is eye-catching and perfect for those with charming personalities that stand out. Puff print in geometric motif on a tunic and soutache work top with abstract print is incredibly fashion forward.”
Mosaic Collection from Fusion Beats is available at Mumbai: Linking Road – Khar, R City Mall, Oberoi Mall, Viviana Mall: Thane; Phoenix Market City; Navi Mumbai: Inorbit Mall – Vashi; Pune: Amanora Town Centre; New Delhi: Rajouri Garden, Kamla Nagar, Lajpat Nagar; Gurgaon: City Center; Kolkata: South City Mall; Siliguri: Cosmos Mall; Hyderabad: GVK One, Himayat Nagar; Amritsar: Alpha One; Chandigarh: Elante Mall; Ludhiana: West End Mall; Bengaluru: Inorbit Mall, Whitefield; Nagpur: Empress Mall; Raipur: Magneto Mall; Surat: V R Mall and also at selective Shoppers Stop, Central, Pantaloons and Lifestyle. Furthermore, it is present across India and also in Dubai, Sri Lanka and Ecuador.
Fusion Beats is an Indian fashion wear brand with International exposure offering a classy collection in traditional wear segment – with a complete wardrobe for the urban woman – boasting of Tops, Tunics, Kurtis and Leggings. Creative Lifestyles launched 109°F in October, 2006. In a short span of six years it became the numero uno brand in women’s western wear category in India and has met tremendous success overseas such as UAE, Qatar and Nepal as well. 109°F has been felicitated with the following awards – Best Performing Partner by Reliance Trends in the year 2012, Best Women’s Wear Store at Inorbit Mall, Vashi in the year 2010, Special Jury Award for Retail Excellence by Asia Retail Congress in the year 2009 and Best Debutant Brand at Central for the year 2007-2008.

Tata Safari Storme launched in Nepal for a price of NRS 37,85,000

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Tata Motors today launched the new Tata Safari Storme in Nepal.  The Tata Safari Storme is a combination of luxury and comfort with raw power and supreme off-roading performance, which this ‘Real SUV’ has been known for, according to a statement issued by Tata Motors.
ImageGurinder Singh, Country Manager, Nepal and Bhutan, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors, said: “In addition to our current dynamic offerings, we now introduce the Tata Safari Storme to our customers in Nepal. We are sure that customers will be delighted with the look and off road capability of the Real SUV, the Safari Storme”.
Power & Performance
The new Tata Safari Storme is a refined beast delivering a performance of 0 – 100 km/hr in under 15 sec. Its 2.2 L VariCOR engine, turbocharged with VTT (Variable Turbine Technology), delivers 140 PS Power & 320 NM Torque, providing easy driveability, swifter response and lower NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). The vehicle also features ESOF (electronic shift-on-fly) technology, enabling engagement of the 4×4 or 4X2 mode, on the move. Yet it is highly fuel efficiency at 14kmpl in the 4×2 variant and 13.2kmpl in the 4×4 variant.
Tata Safari Storme’s ladder frame chassis is constructed with advanced hydroformed members, for high load capabilities and robustness. Hydroforming enhances rigidity while reducing weight. The vehicle also has a double wishbone suspension set-up which provides excellent ride comfort.The Safari Storme boasts best-in-class turning circle radius of 5.4 metres, making driving and manuevoring in tight confines absolutely easy. The ground clearance is 200 mm, with 26 degree gradeability. The new rack and pinion steering system offers perfect feel and accuracy, for a confident driving experience, especially at high speeds. Reverse parking system with audible and graphical representation on the antiglare IRVM (Inside Rear-View Mirror), electrically operated power fold ORVM (Outside Rear-View Mirror) with turn signals, enhance the driving experience.
Looks & Style
The Tata Safari Storme has an all new front look grill, side cladding, new projector headlamps and an all new rear look. The bonnet now boasts of a ‘power bulge,’ which gives it a sportier look. Aerodynamically designed spoilers, new pull-type door handles and ergonomically designed side foot-steps, ensure easy entry and exit. The tailgate trim comes in an all new guise of ergonomically designed grab handles and a spare tyre located underneath the vehicle. The new chrome-tipped twin exhausts add to the sporty demeanor of the vehicle, and the newly designed roof-rails add to the muscular look.
Opulence & Comfort
The luxurious, airy and beige interiors endow the Safari Storme with opulence. There is ample leg space and headroom to accommodate the family, and also plenty of luggage space.
The tilt-adjust (collapsible steering column), reclining front bucket seats with fore/aft adjustment position and lumbar support ensure fatigue free long drives. The integrated 12V-gadget charging points are available on first, second and third row seats. The vehicle is equipped with a dual-AC with a separate integrated roof mounted blower for rear passengers.
The Safari Storme integrates In-Mold Graining (IMG) technology, along with hand stitched leather steering, for a real feel of luxury. An ergonomically shaped gear knob with chrome highlights, wooden accents on the dashboard and door trims, a new instrument cluster, chrome-lined speaker grills and inside door handles, all go a long way in enhancing the interior look.
The rigid ladder frame with hydro-formed construction provides structural strength to the vehicle. Crumple zones, side intrusion beams on all four doors, dual SRS airbags and the collapsible steering column keep passengers safe from all sides.
Reassured Safety
The vehicle has vacuum assisted independent hydraulic, ventilated disc brakes on all four- wheels and a 4 channel ABS with EBD, which helps in keeping the vehicle under control, during emergency braking conditions. In addition, there are features like the inertia switch and an auto engine immobilizer. In an exigency, the inertia switch automatically cuts off the fuel supply to the engine, and unlocks all the doors and also switches on the hazard warning light, to warn other road users. The Safari Storme is also fitted with PES headlamps for better illumination and unwanted glare.
The Safari Storme prices start at NRS 37.85 lakhs. The range is available in three variants, LX, VX (4×2 and 4×4), in six vibrant colours – Urban Bronze, Sardinia Red, Pearl White, Pearl Champagne, Astern Black, Arctic Silver. The Safari Storme will be available  throughout the large Tata Motors network in Nepal which consists of Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd., the official distributor and its 12 dealerships. The Tata Safari Storme comes with a warranty of 2 years or 75,000kms, whichever is earlier.

Sipradi a major player in AUTOMOTIVE & ALLIED business and is one of the largest and most prestigious brands in Nepal. 30 years down the line, Sipradi has exceeded $ 150 million annual revenue and is growing rapidly in automotive, energy, lubricant, financial services, and equipment businesses. It has more than 600 employees working to a common goal –to deliver quality products and services while adding synergy to the growth of overall brand value. Sipradi Trading Private Ltd (STPL) has been the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors Ltd in Nepal since 1982. STPL is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. STPL sells and services the full range of Tata Motors’ commercial and passenger vehicles. The company has the largest sales and service distribution network throughout Nepal with nine sales offices and five regional service centers. It has 15 passenger vehicle showrooms and 12 service centers.

Usha organises Mountain Echoes Literary Festival 2013

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The Mountain Echoes Literary Festival, 2013 is a recognition of culture, traditions, art and everything in between; it is in the truest sense a celebration of the rich and giving past, an affirmation of the warmth of the present and a powerful beacon to the future.

ImageIt is about getting together and celebrating everything that brings one pleasure – books, music, art, photos, drama, movies and sports. The Chief Royal Patron of the festival is Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. An initiative by the India – Bhutan foundation, Mountain Echoes is produced by Siyahiand presented by USHA. Namita Gokhale and Pramod Kumar KG are the festival directors. The sessions will be spread between Taj Tashi, Thimphu and Tarayana Center, Thimphu who are the hospitality and venue partners of the festival.
The presenting sponsors of the festival, Usha, known for their products in virtually every Indian household, hope to extend the reach of Usha’s Silai (Sewing) Schools Programme into the countless under-served rural communities, particularly those that suffer from a lack of electric power. This initiative, operated in conjunction with local NGO’s, will provide the entrepreneurial village woman with a sewing machine as well as training in sewing, simple mechanics for repair and the knowledge to transfer sewing skills to the future generations. The aim is for women to generate independent incomes and sustain their families and communities. Usha intends that the schools will give these communities, and the women who keep them alive, their fair share in the region’s future. Presently, over 2500 schools are in operation across all the 28 states of India and the number is growing at a thousand schools per year.
The festival takes off with Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and Namita Gokhale, as they look back on her life as the Queen Mother of this mystic Himalayan nation. We have Dasho Kinley Dorji, Pavan K. Varma, Siok Sian Dorji, Kunga Tenzin Dorji, Ratnottama Sengupta, Bachi Karkaria with Malvika Singh blurring the lines between what is known, what is believed and what is said. Moving forth from the time-wrap of patriarchy and the taboo surrounding the word “Feminism” will be Lily Wangchuk, Aparna Sen, Rahul Bose and Namita Bhandare. Lyonpo Paljor Dorji and Dr. Lam Dorji will get down to the nitty gritty of environmental sustainability with Manju Wakhley.Ani Choying will talk about music that is inspired by and inspires emancipation, Amish Tripathi and Meru Gokhale will discuss the writing of the Shiva Trilogy and Amruta Patilpresents Adi Parva and its re-contextualization in contemporary times. Reading selected parts of their works will be Kezang Uden Penjor, Maria Rosa ‘Bing’ N. Carrion, Chorten Tshering and Jerry Pinto. Tarun Tejpal will talk about his work, ideas and the ‘alchemy’ that may or may not gild things as we know them now.
Kesang Choden T Wangchuk and Tshering Tashi will contemplate on the vibrant mural tradition in Bhutan and Christoph Schuler plans to do a delightful presentation of whiteboard animation with Andrea Caprez. Barkha Dutt will speak candidly about her experience as one of leading TV Journalist and anchor with Namgay Zam. Jane De Suzaand Karma Tenzin ‘Yongba’ will bring forward the making of their detective stories withSathya Saran. Omair Ahmad, Lyonpo Om Pradhan and Pavan K Varma explore the New Bhutan, Sudha Shah and Pramod Kumar KG chronicle history, defining the roots of a nation. Kunzang Choden and Dolma Roderwill revisit the Ogyen Choling manor.Mahesh Dattani will speak about his plays with Kalyan Ray. Outlining the history of the nation-state of Bhutan will be Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Dr. Yoshiro Imaeda, the chronicler of the consolidation of Bhutan talks about his work. Saad Bin Jung will speak about his expeditions and experiences. Kelly Dorji and Dorji Dhradhul read excerpts from their books. Ulap Leki takes on the critical nature of the lighter side of things.
For those interested in the fields of art, photography and history: Bhutan: An Eye to History is a photographic exhibition by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck showcasing the evolution of Photography in Bhutan; and Kalpana: Masterpieces of Figurative Indian Contemporary Paintings will be showcased at theNehru Wangchuck  Center. Tarayana Center, Thimphu will host an Art Exhibition: VAST Summer Show 2013.
Also at the Nehru Wangchuck Centre, films from various genres will be screened with the support of the Public Diplomacy Division. We have A la Cart!, Harmony Fest, The Joyful Rhythms of a Kashmiri Wedding, Lords of the Arctic, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Hello India, Six Yards of Grace, Silent Screams and The Great Adventure. Mahesh Dattani, playwright, director, actor and winner of the Sahitya Academy Award, will conduct the Theatre Workshop open to all those who are interested. Jerry Pinto, journalist, writer and winner of the The Hindu Lit For Life Prize for Fiction in 2013 will lead the Creative Writing Workshop to help all the writers caught in limbo to bring out their latent abilities. The workshops are a step in helping direct the creativity of the youth and to inculcate the atmosphere for a free exchange of knowledge which helps all those involved, grow.
Bandish is an Indian band popular for its Rock, Pop, Indi-Pop, Sufi and Bollywood music. Ace drummer Chris Powell (Founder Member Nirvana, Ex-Euphoria) formed the band comprising Adil Manuel and Desmond Powell (founder Member Nirvana and True Colours) on guitar, Sanam on vocals, Ulrich Gomes on keyboards, Abhishek on bass and Rohit Kumar on Indian percussions. They are all very excited to be a part of the festival for the first time.

Friends Night at F Lounge.Diner.Bar in Mumbai on August 3, 2013

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Come along with your gang of friends this Saturday as F Lounge.Diner.Bar celebrates Friends Night.Kick start your weekend with a bang with your besties because friends who party together stay together.

ImageGroove to the beats of  DJ Opus and Val as they uplift your mood by playing some Hip Hop, RNB, Funk, Soul, Mainstream tunes through the night. So come celebrate friendships day at South Mumbai’s ultimate fashion nightspot, F Lounge.Diner.Bar. Date-Saturday, August 3, 2013, timing- 9.00 PM onwards, for entry details contact 022-66505820, address- F Lounge.Diner.Bar, One India Bulls Centre, 3rd Floor, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone Road.

Continental unveils cutting-edge technology into car seats paving the way for top-class luxury even in volume models

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The seat is a major comfort factor in a car. International automotive supplier Continental is using intelligent electronics to transform car seats into multi-functional component features.

ImageContinental AG, the German auto component major provides the controls for diverse electric adjustments, sees to the integration of air-conditioning and realises memory, massage and numerous safety functions, says a company statement.

ImageAndreas Wolf, head of Continental’s Body and Security business unit elucidates: “We make a wide range of seat functions possible and use innovative electronic controls to ensure that all passengers can enjoy a comfortable, relaxed, and safe journey,” explains . In doing so, the supplier demonstrates its finesse as a system integrator in the area of electronic seat controls and pneumatically activated seat functions. Continental has only very recently begun supplying the massage function for the new Mercedes S-Class. At the same time, Continental is working to develop a link between smartphones and the seat system for further personalization of seating functions. A demonstrator of this technology will be shown by Continental at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) 2013.
Electronic controls for perfect seating
Position adjustment is a basic seat function. For a long time now, drivers and passengers have had more options than just that of adjusting the seat back and the amount of leg room. Modern seat systems offer up to ten different adjustment axes in the seat’s backrest, cushions, and headrests. They cover everything from the length of the thigh rests and the height of the shoulder pads through to the width of lumbar support. To accommodate these, some seats have eleven integrated electric motors, controlled by Continental electronics. A simple “On” or “Off” doesn’t do the trick here. Indeed, vehicle passengers want to be able to very finely adjust their seats, requiring a rather slow adjustment process. The electric entry assist system of the kind found in coupés and cabrios, on the other hand, must not become a test of patience for driver and passengers.
ImageThe electronics also control the memory function with integrated anti-pinch protection. At the press of a button, the seat moves into a position conforming exactly to the driver’s own saved settings. If this function is linked up with the car key, the driver’s seat moves into the individually preset position before the driver even gets into the car. For this to work, the system has to be able to accurately determine the seat’s position before activating the adjustment motors. That’s because the electronics have to know the present positioning of the seat before they can move it into any of the other saved positions. To ensure this, Continental has developed an intelligent, self-adjusting algorithm that gets by without additional sensors. Continental’s efficient electronics and software solutions are also functionally scalable. This allows for seat comfort functions in vehicles in the lower and medium price segment as well.
Comfort thanks to an electronically controlled massage
Another comfort feature in modern car seats are pneumatic systems that can reduce strain by providing special support for individual parts of the body. These employ special air cushions located underneath the upholstery and covers. More than a dozen of these are integrated into some vehicles to provide — in addition to static systems that can be set manually by drivers and passengers — dynamic solutions as well. These promptly alter the seat contour and adjust the support or the lateral hold in response to the road — when cornering at high speed, for example. In addition to air cushions and airlines, more powerful yet ultra-quiet compressors are needed here. Fast switching valves and a central control unit complete the pneumatic seat system. “This field of technology is gaining in importance. Initial massage functions are now already being offered in mid-range vehicles. So, we are making big strides to expand our expertise. We are integrating more and more pneumatic products and functions into seats,” notes Wolf, explaining the strategy behind Continental’s activities.
Great climate all year round in and on the seat
A modern car seat incorporates ever more heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technologies. Here as well, the controls must be capable of doing more than just switching components on and off. For example, there is also the option of separately regulating the temperature of the seat’s surface and backrest, above all gradually in several steps. In luxury-class vehicles, for example, the temperature of the seats can be adjusted in up to four separate zones to suit the passengers’ individual needs. Active seat ventilation ensures pleasant summer journeys for both the driver and front passenger, even in cars experiencing a major heat buildup. Small ventilators in the seat cushions suck in the air beneath the seats and evenly distribute cooler air across the entire seat surface. An innovative head-level heating system ensures optimum climate-controlled comfort in a cabrio and makes open-top driving comfortable – even at low external temperatures. Just like the active seat cooling system, ventilators on the back of the headrests suck in air. The air is heated and flows out again from air vents in the front of the seat to act as an invisible scarf, warming the front passengers neck and shoulders.
The networked car seat
Thanks to the seat’s efficient electronics, Continental can now offer the complete range of options for greater seating comfort. It has taken the next logical step and created a seat prototype that will be shown at Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2013. This allows drivers to use their home computers or tablet PCs to configure a very individual comfort program tailored to their specific needs. From seat heating and blower functions to individual adjustment of the preferred massage setting, drivers can easily create a comfort program that perfectly suits their requirements.
Innovative from heart to cover: Seat surface developed by Benecke-Kaliko
Continental uses in his seat prototype in-house experience also for the seat cover. With the Acella® Eco product family, the Continental surface specialist Benecke-Kaliko is contributing in a major way to improving the climate in vehicle interiors. As an interior material for vehicle seats and door trim, Acella® Eco Green is is ultra-skin-friendly, free of contact allergens, and low in emissions. Acella® Eco Natural has a renewable raw material content of up to fifty percent and exhibits a fifteen percent better CO2 balance than standard cover materials.
Comprehensive series production experience – basis for our innovations
As an established supplier of innovative seat controls and systems for a host of European and North American automotive manufacturers, Continental is in a position to offer vehicle manufacturers a wide range of intelligent and cost-optimized solutions for the diverse, complex control tasks in modern vehicle seats. With sales of € 32.7 billion in 2012, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires, and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently has around 175,000 employees in 46 countries.

The Automotive Group with its three divisions Chassis and Safety (sales of about € 7.0 billion in 2012, 34,500 employees), Powertrain (sales of € 6.1 billion in 2012, 31,000 employees) and Interior (sales of € 6.4 billion in 2012, 33,000 employees) achieved sales of €19.5 billion in 2012. The Automotive Group is present in more than 170 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 cars provide individual mobility and driving pleasure consistent with driving safety, environmental responsibility and cost-efficiency.

The Chassis & Safety Division develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake and chassis control systems, sensors, driver assistance systems, airbag electronics and -sensorics, washer systems and electronic air suspension systems. Its core competence is the integration of active and passive driving safety into ContiGuard. The Powertrain Division integrates innovative and efficient system solutions for vehicle powertrains. The comprehensive range of products includes gasoline and diesel injection systems, engine management, transmission control, including sensors and actuators, as well as fuel-supply systems and components and systems for hybrid and electric drives. Information management is at the very heart of the Interior Division, which provides a range of products that includes instrument clusters and multifunctional displays, control units, electronic car-entry systems, tire-monitoring systems, radios, multimedia and navigation systems, climate control systems, telematics solutions and cockpit modules and systems.