This post is also available in: German
- Key technology of connected mobility: considerable growth expected on the automotive antenna market
- Acquisition follows a successful and long-standing relationship between Kathrein Automotive and Continental
- Board Member Helmut Matschi: “There would be no connectivity without antennas. High-performance intelligent antennas are the key technology for holistic vehicle connectivity”
- Continental takes over the entire workforce
Regensburg, October 29, 2018. The technology company Continental is acquiring Kathrein Automotive GmbH (a subsidiary of Kathrein SE), one of the leading specialists in and manufacturers of vehicle antennas. Today, the company announced that the purchase agreement has been signed and that, following antitrust approval, Kathrein Automotive and its entire workforce are expected to become part of Continental in the first quarter of 2019. Kathrein Automotive has over 1,000 employees in a total of eight locations in Brazil, China, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, and the USA. The two parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
“There would be no connectivity without antennas. High-performance intelligent antennas are the key technology for holistic vehicle connectivity. We are therefore glad to enhance our cooperation with our new colleagues from Kathrein Automotive and to continue to develop solutions for intelligent mobility together,” said Helmut Matschi, member of the Executive Board at Continental and head of the Interior division.
From remote access keys, to navigation, to telematics, there are a vast number of interfaces for wireless communication both in vehicles and beyond. Thus, today’s vehicles are already equipped with 20 antennas and counting. Advancing holistic vehicle connectivity and new communication technologies, such as 5G, will further increase demand for high-performance intelligent antenna solutions. Analysts (Radiant Insights) estimate an average annual market growth of approximately 6.5 percent for vehicle antennas up to 2022. With the acquisition of Kathrein Automotive, Continental is thus not only expanding its own product portfolio, gaining essential development expertise, but it is also taking its successful and long-standing partnership with Kathrein to a new level.
Two successful connectivity solutions already available on the market
Resulting from the cooperation between Continental and Kathrein, the Intelligent Antenna Module and Multifunctional Smart Device Terminal are already on the market providing successful connectivity solutions.
The Intelligent Antenna Module replaces the single antennas that, until now, have been scattered around vehicles by combining the antennas and the accompanying electronics into one hardware module. This not only simplifies wiring and reduces installation space, but also improves signal quality at the same time. With the Multifunctional Smart Device Terminal, specialists from Kathrein and Continental have developed a solution that allows drivers to seamlessly integrate their digital lifestyles into their vehicles by easily and comprehensively linking them up with their mobile devices. The driver has only to place a smartphone in a tray in the vehicle cockpit for the phone to use Near Field Communication and Bluetooth to connect with the vehicle’s infotainment system, charge wirelessly and link its antennas with the vehicle’s external antennas to achieve considerably better signal quality.
Alongside these joint developments, the Kathrein Automotive Portfolio comprises of antenna systems for vehicle communication systems worldwide, MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna systems for optimized data-reception, as well as antenna systems for new 5G frequency bands. High-frequency electronic products, such as compensators for mobile-data and V2X technology, further compliment the product portfolio.
About Continental
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2017, Continental generated sales of €44 billion and currently employs more than 243,000 people in 60 countries.
Information management in and beyond the vehicle is at the very heart of the Interior division. The product portfolio for different types of vehicles includes: instrument clusters, multifunctional and head-up displays, control units, access control and tire-information systems, radios, infotainment systems, input devices, control panels, climate control units, software, cockpits as well as services and solutions for telematics and Intelligent Transportation Systems. The Interior division employs more than 46,000 people worldwide and generated sales of €9.3 billion in 2017.
About Kathrein Automotive
Kathrein is a specialist for reliable, high-quality communication technologies. The company is driving innovation and technology in today’s connected world. Its ability to provide solutions and services enables people all over the world to communicate, access information and use media, whether at home, at the office or on the road. Kathrein covers a broad spectrum: from mobile communication and RFID to special solutions, satellite reception and broadcast technology. In the field of transmission and reception systems for vehicles, Kathrein and Kathrein Automotive GmbH have had a lasting impact on the market in the past and enabled the introduction of new communication and entertainment services. The solution spectrum of Kathrein Automotive includes automotive antenna systems for all vehicle-relevant global communication systems as well as high-frequency electronic products such as compensators for mobile communication and V2X technology.
Press contact
Susanne Einzinger
Continental
Vice President Communications
Interior division
Siemensstrasse 12
93055 Regensburg
Phone: +49 941 790 5669
susanne.einzinger@continental-corporation.com
Alena Liebram
Continental
External Communications
Interior Division
Sodener Straße 9
65824 Schwalbach am Taunus
Phone: +49 6196 87-2521
alena.liebram@continental-corporation.com
This press release is available in the following languages: English, German
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