ContiBusinessCouncil Boosts Tyre Maker’s Plans

Continental Tire North America’s ContiBusinessCouncil, formed in 2004 to serve as a liaison between the company and its dealers, recently met in Huntington Beach, California, in conjunction with Continental’s launch of the new ExtremeContact tyre lines. “The feedback we receive from the Council has been an integral part of our strategy-building as well as our decision-making processes,” said Andreas Gerstenberger, executive vice president of sales and marketing for CTNA. “The council meets once a year, and also actively contributes throughout the year, and its suggestions have driven many of the key initiatives that Continental has executed and will implement in the future.”

The ContiBusinessCouncil members are: Len Lewin, ACCC, elected business council chairman; Dan Seitler of ATD; Ceasar Aquino of The Tire Rack; Richie Betz of Reliable Tire; Matt Malley of Discount Tire; Michael Cox of ITDG; and Mike Pallotta of Tire Warehouse. The council has been instrumental in supporting the aggressive expansion of Continental and General Tire brand market coverage, assisted in the restructuring of the retail-focused Gold Program, and endorsed the use of revolutionary consumer promotions to drive dealer sales, according to CTNA.

“Since the inception of the council we have been focused on accomplishing strategic business objectives and proactively adapting to the changing market. The progress that Continental has made over the past few years has been remarkable,” said Len Lewin, president of ACCC. “Continental Tire has been very reactive in addressing issues brought to its attention by the council. The Continental management team is listening and integrating council advice into its strategic decision-making process. We have seen this consistently since the inception of the council.” (Tire Review/Akron)