Conti’s Winter Tyre Sales Exceed 19 Million

The rising demand for winter tyres across Europe has been reflected in sales figures released by Continental AG. Worldwide sales of Conti’s winter tyres reached 19.1 million in last year, an 8 per cent increase on 2005 sales and 41 per cent more than in 2002.

According to research conducted by Continental, this increasing demand has been primarily fuelled by the public becoming more widely aware of the safety issues related to winter driving. Changes to German road traffic regulations have also had an influence on sales.

In the words of Continental AG Chairman of the Board (and head of Passenger and Light Truck Tire division) Manfred Wennemer “This fifth consecutive record result confirms the correctness of our approach in this attractive segment and is reassuring for the coming years, since it can be attributed to growth in several markets. In Europe these are predominantly Germany, Russia and Eastern Europe as a whole, but they also include Italy, Holland and Belgium.“ Mr. Wennemer added that Continental is also pleased with market developments in North America.