Conti receives $1.5 billion award for new brake system

FRANKFURT, Germany—Continental A.G. has received a "major award" from a North American car maker for the series production of its semi-dry brake systems as well as integrated automotive air supply systems.

The contract for Continental's "future brake system" (FBS) is valued at $1.5 billion, increasing the life-time sales of the new product to more than $2 billion, Continental reported Nov. 9.

In addition, the North American car maker has ordered "Continental air supply," described as "a highly integrated air supply system used in combination with air springs on the front and rear axles for air suspension."

The German manufacturer did not provide the financial details of the air supply component deal.

The new brake system, according to Continental, is a technology-change from wet to a semi-dry-brake system, which will include several new components.

The technology uses electromechanical brakes on the rear axle which are operated "dry," without brake fluid. On the front axle, the wheel brakes continue to operate hydraulically.

The new technology also includes Continental's second-generation brake-by-wire system.

Continental expects to start series production of the solutions in 2025.