Decreased vehicle production has led to a drop in first quarter profit, but Continental AG is still moving forward with plans to spin off its powertrain division. Announced in mid-2018, the company plans to restructure to be more agile moving forward, meeting and exceeding demands of a changing industry. The powertrain division, which will be called Vitesco Technologies, is responsible for components and systems for conventional and electric vehicles, engine management and transmission control systems, and more, generated 11 billion euros in orders in 2018. Not only does Continental plan to retain a majority stake in the mid and long term, but they have been making other investments to innovate in the space. They have both continued to invest in patents (specifically regarding DC/DC converters) and recently broke ground on a new headquarters and opened a 3D printing center to advance development and manufacturing.
