(Yicai Global) June 1 -- Leading German automotive manufacturer Continental AG [FWB:CON] today teamed up with Chinese search giant Baidu Inc. [NASDAQ:BIDU] and new-energy vehicle maker NextEV in separate contracts, Jiemian.com reported.

The first agreement will see the German parts maker team up with Baidu in driving automation, telematics and smart transport technology development, with projects including the advancement of sensors and software for self-driving vehicles.

The second partnership pairs Continental with NextEV, a Chinese car maker looking to compete with Tesla Motor Inc. [NASDAQ:TSLA], and will cover electric cars, smart transport and driving automation technology and products.

The German firm will also be involved in developing NextEV's newest models, with the first step being the provision of air suspension, tires and other auto technologies for the ES8, an electric sports-utility vehicle. The cooperation will expand to include wireless charging, driving automation, smart cock-pits and new-generation brake and suspension systems.