Effective September 1, 2013, Matthias Matic (46) will assume responsibility for the Hydraulic Brake Systems Business Unit of the Continental Chassis & Safety Division headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. Until then, he will continue to head the Chassis Components Business Unit. Matic succeeds Peter Laier who left to assume a position on the executive board of a German light manufacturer.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenge. Hydraulic brake systems have proven their worth a million times over; they’re a key component of automotive safety. Friction brakes will continue to be an important topic for the foreseeable future”, said Matic.
The focus in hydraulic brake systems is on short braking distances, durability and comfort. In addition to stopping and stabilizing a vehicle, another important function is to prevent it from rolling away while parked. Electronic parking brakes are rapidly making inroads in every category of car and are becoming ever more commonplace.
The advantage of electronic parking brakes is that they perform various assistance functions in conjunction with electronic brake systems to add safety and convenience. Moreover, they operate at the press of a button. There is an emergency-brake function for the unlikely event that the service brake should fail. Manufacturers also enjoy greater flexibility in designing interiors because there is no more hand-brake lever to protrude into the passenger compartment. “Our know-how in brake systems, plus our ContiGuard integrated safety concept, allows us to furnish customers with a complete package that contains everything needed to make a car safe”, added Matic.
Continental is a global leader in every aspect of hydraulic brake systems. The company consistently delivers new, optimized solutions for classic braking technology. The Hydraulic Brake Systems Business Unit develops and manufactures wheel brakes, electronic parking brakes, drum brakes, brake boosters, hoses, plus cleaning systems for windshields and headlights for automotive markets all over the world.
Matthias Matic has been with Continental since 1993, having previously worked as Project Manager for Electronic & Hydraulic Brake Systems, Director Strategic Planning & Program Management for wheel brakes, Director for the Business Center Foundation Brakes & Brake Hoses within the Hydraulic Brake Systems Business Unit,
and Vice President for the HBS Business Unit for the NAFTA region. Matic, who studied Mechanical Engineering and then earned an Executive Master of Business Administration (E-MBA), assumed responsibility for the Chassis Components Business Unit in August 2011. His extensive experience in chassis and brakes business will
stand him in good stead as he assumes his new function as Executive Vice President of the Hydraulic Brake Systems Business Unit headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, effective September 1, 2013. He will continue to report directly to the President of the Chassis & Safety Division in his new position.
