Renowned tyre-maker Continental AG has begun operations in India commencing production and distribution in the country.
The first products from the company are the newly developed ‘ContiMaxContact MC5’ and ‘ContiComfortContact CC5’ premium passenger car tyre lines in the Indian market. These tyre lines have been designed with German engineering and technology while keeping in view the evolving performance requirements of Indian consumers and with a focus on maximising safety and comfort.
Continental have established a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for PLT tyres at their existing tyre plant at Modipuram with an initial capacity of 8,00,000 tyres annually, with further expansion potential.
The ContiComfort Contact CC5 is dedicated to the compact and mid-sized segment of passenger cars made by using advanced silica compound technology that lowers the rolling resistance which improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The product differentiates with noise breaker from silent tread pattern groove technology, optimised compound stiffness while the tread pattern design has chamfered lateral grooves with an asymmetrical pattern rib. It is characterised by a very low road noise and leading braking performance on wet and dry surface, apart from being one of the most comfortable drives in its class.
The ContiMax Contact MC5 is dedicated to the high end mid-size and executive segment of passenger cars. The tyre features an asymmetrical tread pattern, chamfered blocks, new activated silica compound technology, and an innovative design for low noise, vibration and harshness performance – the so called ‘noise-breaker’. These features ensure that the tyre delivers excellent high-speed handling and the best braking performance under dry and wet conditions as well as a low noise level, high grip and maximum comfort.
“Continental is known for both its German Engineering and high technological expertise in the production of high performance tyres globally which is confirmed by its significant presence in the Original Equipment business for the premium passenger cars and a high share in the replacement market, too. Investing into production capacities is part of our global strategy Vision 2025 to further improve our global manufacturing footprint and expand business in growing markets, such as India. All together Continental has invested more than two billion EUR into the construction of new production facilities like f.e. in Russia, China and the US alongside to the extension of the existing plants since 2011. Now we are more than happy to present our production facility in India for radial car tyres”, says Executive Board member Nikolai Setzer.
Continental’s new premium tyre lines are targeting performance demanding premium customers across all passenger car and SUV segments from compact to executive vehicles. The company has already established a strong dealer network of more than 425 dealers with around 30 aligned branded shops that spread across all major cities. The network is being further expanded to make sure its high performance products and services are available across the whole country. One of the most popular tyre lines is the ContiSport Contact which is offered as OEM by Audi and Volvo among others on several of their high-performance models.
Story: Jim Gorde
