Continental, the international tyre manufacturer and automotive supplier, is known for its German engineering and technological expertise in the production of high performance tyres globally which is confirmed by its significant presence in the original equipment business backed by a high share in the replacement market as well. Investing into production capacities is a part of the company’s global strategy Vision 2025 to further improve its global manufacturing footprint and expand business in growing markets such as India. The company is setting new benchmarks in the premium tyre segment, responding to tougher requirements and specifically targeting different areas of application with new truck tyre families.
In a one-on-one with MOTORINDIA, Dr. Andreas Esser, Executive Vice President, Business Unit Commercial Vehicle Tyres, Continental, speaks about the company’s existing and emerging markets across the globe. He says: “The market for our tyres has been growing exponentially, for example in the North American region.”
Continental Tyres has manufacturing facilities in most regions where it sells its products such as in the US, South America, Europe, Malaysia, India and South Africa, which saves significantly on logistics costs. Continuously looking to expand and updating themselves as per the various market needs, Continental has recently launched a complete Truck Bus Radial Range in 2014. Their Modipuram plant with an initial capacity of 1 million bias tyres was subsequently ramped up to add additional capacity to produce highly advanced German-engineered radial tyres. This state-of-the art plant not only caters to the domestic demands but also produces tyres for exports to the neighboring countries.
While Continental has strong presence in radial tyres on a global scale, the radial truck tyre segment in India is still in its early stage and Continental plans to capitalize on the huge growth potential for radialization. Commenting on radialization in the Indian market, Dr. Esser says: “In many Asian countries, radialization has picked up very fast with the government’s decision disfavouring use of bias tyres. With infrastructure development, professionalization of the transport business and customers’ willingness to test and invest in these tyres, we hope for radialization to grow in India as well. As for our customers, it is all about the performance of our tyres. We are focusing not only on providing good products but create a good connect with the dealers, truck drivers and the fleet owners.”
Globally, Continental has developed an innovative material called Taraxagum, a rubber derived from the Dandelion plant. The first tyres are already built and currently undergoing tests. The company is optimistic about the new material’s capacity to open up an additional source for natural rubber in tyres. The new breakthrough takes Continental even closer to reaching its goal of making tyre production more sustainable and less dependent from traditional raw materials.