Continental AG has officially announced that its automotive division will operate under the new name Aumovio, a move unveiled at the prestigious Auto Shanghai event on April 23, 2025. This rebranding marks a significant step for the company as it positions itself to lead in the rapidly evolving landscape of future mobility technologies.
The name Aumovio symbolizes a blend of Continental's robust market heritage, technical expertise, and its ambition to innovate in the mobility sector. According to the company, Aumovio will offer a range of electronic products and advanced mobility solutions tailored for the software-defined vehicle, as well as connected and autonomous mobility options for a diverse global clientele.
Philipp von Hirschheydt, who serves as the CEO of the automotive division, emphasized the advantages of operating as an independent entity. "As an independent company, we gain significantly more creative power and speed," he stated. He further elaborated that Aumovio will be characterized by a triad of technologically leading products, a consistent value creation strategy, and a global synergetic network, all while maintaining a strong local presence to cater to its customers effectively.
Aumovio is set to list on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange by September 2025, following expected shareholder approval on April 25, 2025. This strategic step aims to enhance the company’s operational agility and innovation capabilities, particularly in light of the growing demand for advanced automotive technologies.
The focus on the Chinese market is particularly crucial for Aumovio, which has been operational in China for over 30 years. The company currently employs around 10,000 people in the region and reported that 14% of its automotive sales in 2024 came from this key market. Given that China is the largest automotive market globally, forecasts suggest it will continue to outpace global growth over the next five years.
To meet the rising demand, Aumovio is enhancing its local value chain in China, which includes local innovation, production, and supply chain capabilities. This approach ensures that the company can respond effectively to the specific needs of Chinese consumers and automakers.
At Auto Shanghai, Continental showcased several new technologies that align with its local-first strategy. Among these innovations were the Luna and Astra systems, which are driver-assistance technologies developed in collaboration with Horizon Continental Technology. The Luna system enhances safety and comfort by providing basic driving and parking features, while the Astra system supports assisted driving without the need for high-resolution maps, offering smart parking functions instead.
These systems are designed to meet the unique requirements of the Chinese automotive market, highlighting Aumovio's commitment to tailoring its offerings to local preferences.
As Aumovio prepares to enter the market, it aims to lead in the development of high-end electronics and mobility solutions, focusing on sensor technology, displays, braking systems, and comfort systems. The company also boasts deep expertise in software and architecture platforms, which are essential for the fast-growing software-defined vehicle market.
Continental AG, as a whole, employs approximately 92,000 people and reported sales of 19.4 billion euros in 2024. The company has a diverse portfolio, with 49% of its net sales derived from automotive systems, 33.4% from tires, and 17.6% from technical elastomers. Geographically, its net sales are distributed across several regions, including Germany (19.1%), Europe (29.4%), North America (26.6%), Asia (20.7%), and others (4.2%).
The establishment of Aumovio signifies Continental's strategic pivot towards becoming a more agile and innovative player in the automotive industry. With a renewed focus on software-defined vehicles and advanced electronic solutions, Aumovio is poised to not only meet the current demands of the automotive market but also shape the future of mobility.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the emphasis on advanced technologies and regional strategies will play a crucial role in determining the success of companies like Aumovio. With its commitment to innovation and local responsiveness, Aumovio is set to make significant strides in the competitive landscape of future mobility.
