The "Simplify you Drive" system is designed to offer motorists an easy human-machine interface (HMI) where they can choose between a sportive, comfortable or environmentally friendly driving mode.

Under different modes, systems in the car collaborate to increase or decrease horsepower, adjust the chassis or reduce CO2 emissions. For example, in the sportive mode the interior lights go red and the engine management system increases horsepower.

"The idea is to make out of one car -- make 3 cars -- simply by pressing a knob," said Ralf Lenninger, senior vice president of Continental's interior division.

Dongfeng's new compact H30 hatchback will be the first model in Asia to be fitted with the "Simplify your Drive" system. The 1.6-liter H30 compact is 4268mm long with a wheelbase of 2610mm and a choice of a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gear box.

The car has a market price of around 70,000 yuan ($10,252) and the "Simplify your Drive" system will add no more than 9 percent to the total cost, according to Continental.

Lenninger declined to say when cars featuring the system will go on sale. "But we are very close to production," he said.

Around 200 engineers from various Continental divisions worked together to first develop the system in Germany. Company engineers in Shanghai and Wuhu are localizing the system to suit local tastes, according to Lenninger. 

When mass production begins, all components will be made in China. "We are also prepared for low volume production in China," Lenninger said.

"What Apple has done for phones we want to do for cars," said Lenninger. He added that the 'Simplify your Drive' system can be used in any car; a combustion engine vehicle, electric or hybrid.