Partnering with a premier aftermarket leader
For 50 years, Northwood has led the automotive education industry by being the only university in the nation to offer a degree in Aftermarket Management. Aftermarket management, even in an economic downturn, is an industry still holding strong and still in need of future leaders.
In May 2009, Donald James, Marketing Director for Continental, and Matt Bennett, Director of Corporate & Specialty Programs at the DeVos Graduate School of Management, developed a partnership for Northwood University and its students through the Continental Ambassador Program. The program is a corporate employer branding and recruiting initiative in which Continental builds long-lasting relationships at key universities. In addition, this program strives to improve Continental's image as a future employer for students and graduates. Continental is a leading, global automotive supplier. With three corporate divisions. Continental AG is aligned with Chassis & Safety, Powertrain, and Interior.
"The Automotive Group employs more than 80,000 people in more than 130 locations worldwide. As a partner of the automotive industry, the Automotive Group develops and produces innovative products and systems for a modern automotive future, in which a car accommodates individual mobility and driving pleasure to driving safety, environmental responsibility, and cost-efficiency."
"The Chassis & Safety Division develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake and chassis control systems, sensors, driver assistance systems, air bag control systems, occupant classification systems, washer systems, as well as electronic air suspension systems. Its core competence is the integration of active and passive driving safety into the safety concept ContiGuard®. The Powertrain Division integrates innovative and efficient system solutions for vehicle powertrains. These systems increase performance and driving comfort while at the same time lowering consumption and emissions. The comprehensive range of products includes gasoline and diesel injection systems, engine management, transmission control, including sensors and actuators, as well as fuel-supply systems and components, and systems for hybrid drives. Information management is at the very heart of the Interior Division. The range of products includes instrument clusters and multifunctional displays, control units, electronic car-entry systems, tire-monitoring systems, radios, multimedia and navigation systems, climate control systems, and telematics solutions, as well as cockpit modules and systems."
The partnership between Northwood University and Continental is a huge asset for our students. Continental is a performance-driven company with a culture of high achievement. Continental embraces its personnel and searches for top talent to fill positions globally. Beyond career placement, the partnership creates unique opportunities for our students to travel with Continental to its automotive test facility in Brimley, Mich. The automotive facility brings in vehicles of all makes and models to undergo extensive maneuverability testing, including winter ice driving simulations.
Through the partnership, Northwood University, the University of the Aftermarket, and undergraduate students can be excited about the fantastic opportunities ahead. With Continental parts in generally every vehicle made, it is a win for the only university in the U.S. creating professionals specifically trained for the aftermarket industry.
n Stephanie Brown
