Press Release
Interview with Dr. Thomas Böttcher, general manager of the
Industrial Tire business unit at Continental AG:
"We keep things moving"
Hannover, September 2005. The Industrial Tire business unit at
Hanover-based Continental AG is doing a good job of weathering
the storm in these economically trying times. As one of the top
three industrial tiremakers, the business unit is recognized by
customers as a leader in terms of quality and innovation. New
products fresh out of development will be presented at CeMAT in
October (booth E 58, hall 14) under the motto "Keeping your
business in motion".
In an interview, Dr. Thomas Böttcher explains the position of Continental Industrial Tires.
How do you view the situation of the Industrial Tire business unit?
Dr. Böttcher: Continental Industrial Tires has a strong position. As one
of the top three worldwide and market leader in Europe – and the only
one offering a full range – our customers see in us a true partner for
innovation and development. They know they can rely on us to deliver
superb quality.
Because of the nature of our material-intensive products, however, the
hike in raw materials prices has, in fact, hit us very hard.
Where does Continental produce which industrial tires?
Dr. Böttcher: At our plant in Korbach, Hesse, we produce our Super
Elastic and press-on solid tires. At the R&D center also located there,
innovations are tested through to production-readiness.
Press Release
Industrial radial tires are produced in Otrokovice, Czechia, at one of
the corporation's largest tire factories. In addition, select industrial bias-ply and solid tires are manufactured in Malaysia for the Asian market.
Continental Industrial Tires is a full-range supplier. What are the product focal points?
Dr. Böttcher: Solid tires – Continental Super Elastic and press-on tires
– account for about half of our sales. We are also well placed with our
range of bias-ply and, in particular, radial tires. Here we hold a significant market position.
How do things look outside of Europe?
Dr. Böttcher: In Asia and the Pacific Rim countries we are well established. The production plant in Malaysia ensures that we are close to
the markets we serve. The local sales team and R&D keep close tabs
on the customers' wishes. This allows us to optimally work the market
and provides the basis for further growth.
In the past business year, the sales team in the NAFTA region laid the
groundwork for profitable growth there. I am confident that the positive
trend will continue this year, although the persistently weak US dollar
isn't really helping things much.
How do things look for Continental Industrial Tires as far as original
equipment is concerned?
Dr. Böttcher: We supply big-name manufacturers like Jungheinrich,
Linde, Still and Toyota, to cite just a few.
Press Release
As development partner, we support the OEMs in their new vehicle
projects. Here we are called upon to develop trend-setting individual
solutions and to bring these to market readiness. In the last few years,
for example, we introduced two new low-profile tires – a 180/60 - 10
and a 140/55 - 9. This design gives these tires a much higher carrying
capacity and a much better steering performance than existing sizes
with the same dimensions – the 18 x 7-8 and 15 x 4 ½ -8. As an added
service to OEMs, we offer assistance in determining special parameters for vehicle simulations.
What's in the offing for Industrial Tires?
Dr. Böttcher: At CeMAT in Hanover in October we shall unveil a world
innovation. The new CSEasy solid tire system can be mounted without
a press. It provides further proof of our innovative prowess. We also
have on view five sizes of our successful ConRad HT product in a
reengineered version. I should like to take this opportunity to cordially
invite our customers, as well as all interested parties, to stop by at our
booth in hall 14.
Continental is the only tiremaker offering the complete array of industrial tires. With its range, Continental is no. 1 in Germany and Europe
and among the top 3 worldwide.
The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of brake systems,
chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In 2004 the corporation realized sales of EUR12.6 billion. At
present it has a worldwide workforce of more than 81,000.
For further information please contact:
Lars Döhmann
Head of Press Relations, Commercial Vehicle Tires
Ph.: +49 511/938-2370
Fax: +49 511/938-2462
lars.doehmann@conti.de
www.conti-online.com