Continental will be expanding its footprint in Asia. As part of this strategic move, the international automotive supplier is looking to increase its headcount in India significantly over the next five years to meet growing demand.
“This year we plan to increase R&D staff strength in India by 30 percent,†reported Claude dGama Rose, Managing Director, Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt Ltd in Bangalore. “All the more so in the face of past challenges, Continental will focus on our growth potential especially in the BRIC countries. India is one of the key future markets for the company. We are excited about the opportunity of expanding in India, as we are keen to get on board qualified local engineers, both experienced and from campus, who in turn get an opportunity to work in a high-tech environment with state-of-the-art technology.â€
Earlier this year Continental had announced an objective of above-average growth in Asia. In 2009, the international automotive supplier had increased its sales in Asia so that it makes up 14% of its sales today from the region. Six Continental-Division currently operate out of eight locations in India, i.e. Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Manesar and Pune, and are thus represented and connected to all major automotive hubs, and already serving most major OEMs operating in India. In 2009 Continental has established a new location for the Technical Centre in Bangalore. Together with engineers contracted from engineering partners, this technical center provides services of more than 600 highly skilled Indian engineers to Continental’s global automotive organisation.
With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009, 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 enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 138,000 in 46 countries.
The Automotive Group with its three divisions Chassis & Safety (sales of approximately €5.1 billion in 2008, 27,000 employees), Powertrain (sales of approximately €4 billion in 2008, 25,000 employees) and Interior (sales of approximately €5.9 billion in 2008, 31,000 employees) 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 cars provide individual mobility and driving pleasure consistent with driving safety, environmental responsibility and cost-efficiency.
