Continental AG Tires

A Legacy of Innovation and Global Reach

Continental AG, commonly known as Continental or "Conti," is a German multinational automotive company that has been a cornerstone of the tire industry since its founding in 1871. Renowned for its pioneering spirit, precision engineering, and commitment to safety, Continental ranks as the world’s fourth-largest tire manufacturer. From its early days producing rubber goods to its modern role as a leader in sustainable and smart tire technologies, Continental’s 154-year history is a testament to its adaptability and innovation. This article traces the evolution of Continental Tires, highlighting key milestones, technological advancements, and its global impact.

Founding Years: From Rubber Goods to Pneumatic Tires

Continental was established on October 8, 1871, in Hanover, Germany, as Continental-Caoutchouc und Gutta-Percha Compagnie. Initially focused on soft rubber products, the company manufactured items like hoof buffers for horses, rubberized fabrics, and solid tires for carriages and bicycles. The iconic rampant horse logo, inspired by a veterinarian’s hoof buffer design and the regional symbol of Lower Saxony, emerged in 1875 and remains a hallmark of the brand. By the 1890s, with the rise of cycling, Continental shifted gears, producing its first pneumatic bicycle tire in 1892, becoming Germany’s first manufacturer of air-filled tires.

The dawn of the automotive age prompted Continental to enter the car tire market. In 1898, it developed pneumatic tires for automobiles, a significant leap given the increased weight and forces involved. In 1904, Continental made history by introducing the world’s first grooved vehicle tire, enhancing traction and flexibility—a breakthrough that set it apart in Europe. The following year, it launched detachable wheel tires for touring vehicles, simplifying repairs and maintenance. These innovations, coupled with a growing network of marketing subsidiaries in Britain, Denmark, Sweden, and Australia by 1913, established Continental as a leader in the European tire market.

Early 20th Century: Synthetic Rubber and Industry Consolidation

The early 1900s saw Continental embrace new materials and technologies. From 1910, chemist Albert Gerlach championed synthetic rubber, a critical development that reduced reliance on natural rubber and improved tire durability. By 1921, Continental introduced Germany’s first cord tire, using pliable cord fiber fabric instead of stiff linen, enhancing ride comfort. In 1926, the adoption of carbon black as a reinforcing filler gave tires greater resistance to wear and their characteristic black color.

In the late 1920s, Continental merged with several German rubber companies to form Continental Gummi-Werke AG, becoming Germany’s largest rubber producer. This consolidation strengthened its market position but was marred by challenges during the Nazi era. From 1933, the company faced pressure to align with the regime, with Jewish board members forced to resign and forced labor used during World War II, a period Continental later acknowledged with regret in a 2020 historical study. Wartime production focused on military tires and supplies, disrupting civilian operations.

Post-War Recovery and Global Expansion

After World War II, Continental rebuilt its operations amid Germany’s economic recovery. The company resumed civilian tire production in 1949, capitalizing on the global automotive boom. In 1967, it opened the Contidrom, a dedicated tire testing facility near Lüneburg Heath, enabling rigorous performance evaluations that kept pace with the automotive industry’s growth. The 1972 launch of the studless ContiContact winter tire marked a significant advancement in seasonal safety, offering superior grip on snow and ice.

Continental’s international expansion accelerated in the late 20th century. In 1979, it acquired Uniroyal’s European tire operations, followed by Austria’s Semperit in 1985, broadening its European base. The 1987 purchase of General Tire from GenCorp established Continental Tire North America, Inc., marking its entry into the U.S. market. Further acquisitions, including sites in Argentina (1998, via a partnership with FATE), Mexico, South Africa, and Slovakia, reinforced its global presence. By 1991, Continental was the world’s fourth-largest tire manufacturer, a position it has maintained.

Technological Advancements and Motorsport

Continental’s commitment to innovation has been a driving force. In 1991, it launched the ContiEcoContact, the world’s first eco-friendly tire, balancing performance with reduced environmental impact. The 2003 ContiSportContact 2 Vmax became the first road tire approved for speeds up to 360 km/h, earning a Guinness World Record for the fastest road-legal tire. In 2013, the ContiLifeCycle program introduced a sustainable approach to truck tire retreading and recycling, extending tire life and lowering costs.

The company’s motorsport involvement has fueled technological advancements. Continental has supplied tires for endurance racing, off-road challenges, and the USF Pro Championships, with innovations like the ContiSeal puncture-sealing technology and run-flat tires enhancing consumer safety. Its partnership with the Tour de France as the official tire sponsor (2017–2027) underscores its commitment to performance across diverse applications. The 2021 WinterContact TS 870, praised by the German automobile association ADAC for its grip on dry, wet, and winter roads, exemplifies Continental’s leadership in winter tire technology.

Sustainability and Digital Innovation

In the 21st century, Continental has prioritized sustainability and smart technology. The 1994 introduction of silica in tread compounds halved braking distances on wet roads, improving safety. The ContiConnect and ContiPressureCheck systems, launched in the 2010s, provide real-time tire pressure and temperature monitoring, optimizing fleet efficiency. The “Green Chili” compound, introduced in 2019, enhances fuel efficiency for eco-conscious drivers. Continental’s commitment to sustainability includes goals for carbon neutrality by 2050 and increased use of recycled materials.

The company has also embraced electric vehicle (EV) tire development, with seven of the world’s top 10 EV manufacturers using Continental tires as original equipment. Its iON HT tire for EV pickup trucks, launched in 2024, offers an 80,000-mile warranty and optimized efficiency. However, Continental announced in 2025 that it would exit the agricultural tire market by year-end to focus on commercial specialty tires for material handling, earthmoving, and port operations.

Challenges and Strategic Acquisitions

Continental has navigated significant challenges, including economic pressures in the 1990s and a 2008 hostile takeover attempt by Schaeffler AG, which led to a partial acquisition and leadership changes. The integration of Siemens VDO in 2007 and earlier acquisitions like Phoenix AG (2004) and Motorola’s automotive electronics unit (2006) expanded Continental’s automotive portfolio beyond tires, positioning it as a top-five global automotive supplier. Despite geopolitical tensions, such as China’s 2021 pressure to halt business with Lithuania and continued production in Russia amid 2022 sanctions, Continental has maintained its global operations.

Continental Today: A Global Powerhouse

As of 2025, Continental AG, headquartered in Hanover, Germany, operates 22 tire manufacturing facilities across 17 countries, including four in the United States (Clinton, Missouri; Mount Vernon, Illinois; Plymouth, Indiana; and Sumter, South Carolina). With 2023 revenues of approximately €41.4 billion, its Tires division generates significant income through brands like Continental, General Tire, Uniroyal (Europe), Semperit, Barum, Viking, and Gislaved. The company employs nearly 200,000 people globally and supplies tires to major automakers like Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche, and Toyota.

Continental’s legacy extends beyond tires, with contributions to automotive safety, brake systems, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Its 2021 investment in Recogni, a German-U.S. startup developing AI-based chip architecture for autonomous driving, underscores its forward-thinking approach. The company’s cultural contributions, such as its vibrant advertising posters from the early 20th century, reflect its blend of performance and artistry.

Conclusion

Continental AG’s 154-year history is a story of innovation, resilience, and global ambition. From introducing the world’s first grooved tire in 1904 to pioneering sustainable and smart tire technologies, Continental has consistently shaped the tire industry. Its motorsport heritage, strategic acquisitions, and commitment to safety and sustainability have solidified its position as a global leader. As the automotive world shifts toward electrification and connectivity, Continental’s focus on cutting-edge solutions ensures it will continue to drive mobility forward, carrying forward a legacy of excellence rooted in Hanover.

Note: For more details, visit continental.com or consult industry sources like Tire Business or Tyrepress.