Continental's smart windows, fobs and other technology coming soon to your car

Soon, your car could have intelligent windows that automatically tint to keep the vehicle cooler in the summer.

Or a new front console may soon be a trend featuring a customizable digital screen to control your radio, heater and air conditioner, replacing some of the knobs and dials.

And a new fob could offer keyless entry and engine startup that works with your smartphone.

These, and other new technologies are being touted by Continental North America, which has its Global Infotainment and Connectivity business unit, part of Continental's Interior Division, headquartered in Deer Park. It also has a testing facility in Lake Zurich. The Hanover, Germany-based corporation supplies new technology to automotive manufacturers in Detroit and elsewhere around the world.

"Many of these solutions could start in higher-end models and then migrate to other cars later," Scott Beutler, vice president of the Interior Division at Continental North America, said Friday. "We're also finding that many younger drivers want these new technologies, even though traditionally older drivers are the ones who would buy the higher-end cars."

Continental recently exhibited 25 of its new products at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and brought those displays back to Deer Park Friday so many of its 600 workers could get a close-up look.

The company has been working on numerous technologies for cars, trucks and other vehicles here and around the world. While the Deer Park event mainly was only for employees, it was open for the first time to the media on Friday. Participants were able to get a firsthand look at what was being developed in Deer Park, the former home of Motorola Inc.'s automotive unit that was sold to Continental in 2006.

Many of those same Motorola executives have remained with the company to help make driving safer, more comfortable and more connected to the cloud, Beutler said.

He said the eHorizon system, which is a cloud-based technology, tells the driver what is on the road ahead, such as accidents or traffic jams. So far, it drivers about issues on the road long before they become visible. That system could be in some cars by 2017, he said.

"We're also helping drivers to use their vehicle as a data source to send information back to a server and then that server can update the car's navigation systems with better routes that can help reduce fuel usage or help drivers avoid dangerous situations," he said.

Another highlight featured included intelligent windows that can automatically provide tint to reduce sun rays from entering the car, thereby reducing the interior temperature. That could lead to smaller, more energy efficient and lighter air conditioners in cars. It also could lead to removing sun visors inside the car.

Also displayed at Continental was a curved center console where the heater, radio and other appliances are traditionally located. A so-called Curved Centerstack System is expected to provide a touch display where the driver can customize the radio, temperature and other services on the same screen.

Many of these technologies may be found in cars over the next 3 to 5 years. Beutler could not disclose which automakers may have bought the systems.

To help advance this technology, Continental is on a hiring spree.

It aims to hire up to 50 software engineers and others in the next couple of years in Deer Park, he said.

The company also is working on an internship program with High School District 211 to encourage students to enter the field, do an internship at the company and possibly be hired later, he said.

"We are working to provide more new technology to make it more convenient and comfortable to drive and not as distracting," Beutler said.