With the signatures of Continental’s board executive Dr. Hans-Joachim Nikolin and the European Commission Vice President Jacques Barrot, under the Charter, Continental AG commits itself to supporting this initiative.

“For years now Continental has been engaged in the development of intelligent automotive safety systems and in initiation of educational and research projects, including programs aimed at children and young people, all of which are intended to improve European road safety,” underscored Nikolin at the ceremony in Brussels. “Our signature under the European Road Safety Charter moves us closer to realisation of Vision Zero. For us that means making future road traffic even safer.”

In 2005 there were 41,600 traffic fatalities and some 1.9 million injuries on EU roads. Traffic accidents are the most common cause of hospitalisation for people under 55 years of age. The impact of traffic accidents on the national economies of the EU countries is pegged at €200 billion, or approximately 2% of GNP in the EU. In 2006, the number of traffic fatalities dropped 2,400 to 39,200.

Barrot welcomed the commitment of Continental AG. “We are very happy about every signature of the Charter. Each signatory shows a clear commitment and serious contribution to road safety. By combining our efforts, everyone in the European Union can make real progress towards the end objective of reducing casualties.”