Hannover-based Continental AG is a leading automotive supplier and – according to the company – is “the choice of leading car manufacturers, offering award-winning tyres that deliver responsive braking in all weather conditions.”
Bandvulc, a Continental Tyres subsidiary is the preferred choice for leading contract hire and fleet management company, Specialist Fleet Services (SFS). Indeed, SFS, a leading contract hire and fleet management supplier to local authorities across the UK, is seeing its relationship with Teignbridge District Council move into an 18th year, something the companies credit in part to the tyre supply and management contract with Bandvulc.
Following Continental’s first quarter 2020 financial results and reports that the company is preparing to cut its R&D budgets and European tyre production, Tyres & Accessories asked executives at the company’s Hanover, Germany headquarters to comment on the proposals. According to the tyre manufacturer, Continental is “intensively” monitoring European tyre demand and production “including a review of our tyre manufacturing footprint if we conclude that volumes will not recover to expected volumes”. Furthermore, there may have been reductions in tyre testing frequency as an inevitable result of social distancing, but overall research and development budgets remain intact.
Financial analysts from Jefferies described Continental AG’s plan for fiscal improvements during the corona-crisis “encouraging”, according to an analyst report published 15 May 2020. That Conti’s management highlighted “positive data points in China and the European replacement tyre market”, would seem to be positive indications for the whole tyre business. Specifically, replacement tyre demand was described as “strong” in Germany. However, R&D budgets are likely to be cut and there was even the suggestion that European tyre factory numbers could also be cut back.
The miniscule pieces of plant root that Dr Tobias Ruckert shows us look for all the world like fresh spices, but the recipes he prepares with them aren’t for eating. These roots are from the Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) plant, better known as Russian dandelion. Continental has been evaluating its suitability as an alternative source of natural rubber for much of the past decade.
Triangle Tyre expresses pride in its comeback as a top-ten consumer tyre brand in the China Brand Power Index (C-BPI) 2020. The brand occupies ninth place, ahead of domestic rivals such as Warrior, Chaoyang, Giti and Linglong.
Continental AG has just launched a microsite containing information about the latest CO₂ emissions regulations for heavy goods vehicles and the VECTO (Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool) simulation tool.
On 1 May Continental AG said it will delay spin-off of its powertrain business Vitesco Technologies. Rather than executing that plan in July, as had been planned, the automotive supplier said it will pursue the listing of its powertrain subsidiary business when market conditions improve.
More news from Australia, this time a tyre test win for Continental. The PremiumContact 6 has been named victor in Wheels magazine’s ten-tyre comparative evaluation.
The judges of the d&i awards 2020, which are presented in association with the Taipei Cycle Show in Taiwan, have honoured Continental with their highest accolade. They awarded the d&i Golden Award to the Continental Urban Taraxagum, praising both the tyre’s production from locally-sourced dandelion rubber as well as its tread and sidewall design. The Taipei Cycle Show itself had to be cancelled on account of the coronavirus pandemic but the awards were nevertheless presented.
General Tire has returned to the OTR tyre market – but not in Europe at this point in time. The Continental brand previewed its relaunch range at the Tire Industry Association Off The Road Conference in the USA in February, and General OTR tyres are being offered to customers in the Americas and Asia Pacific regions.
Benjamin Hübner has taken over as product line manager for Continental Commercial Specialty Tires’ Agricultural Tires business. In this function, he is responsible for the strategic development within the agricultural tyre segment.
Conditions encountered when working in ports operations pose particular challenges to tyres. They need to cope with significant variations in load weights, extremely tight turning circles, long periods of vehicle inactivity and sustained exposure to ultraviolet light. For this reason, Continental offers a wide range of tailor-made solutions for portside fleet operators, with pneumatic and solid tyres available for all types of vehicles used in port logistics. Crane manufacturer Kuenz has selected the Continental CraneMaster as the original equipment tyre for its new Freerider rubber tyred gantry (RTG) crane.
Michelin isn’t the only firm in the industry now contributing towards efforts to manage the COVID-19 outbreak. Continental is providing medical hoses for use in Italy’s Bergamo and Lombardy regions. These items are being made at its facility in Daverio, Italy.
Starting 1 April, Silke Bernhardt has taken up the newly-created position of Head of Communications & Public Affairs within Continental’s Tires business area. She is based at the company’s headquarters in Hannover, Germany and shoulders responsibility for the strategic direction of internal and external communications. Bernhardt also manages the global communications units within Asia, North and South America, and Europe.
The entire automotive industry has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, and companies are taking steps to ensure their survival. Continental has provided an update on the latest measures being implemented, including reduced working hours and displays of executive solidarity. It has also buried its outlook for 2020.
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Bandvulc; Continental
Continental AG
Continental AG
Stephen Goodchild
Stephen Goodchild
Continental AG
Continental AG
Continental
Continental