Continental AG

Company Profile

■URL

https://www.continental.com/en/

■Address

Continental-Plaza 1, D-30175 Hanover, Germany

Business Overview

-The Company develops and manufactures systems and technologies to enable sustainable and connected mobility for people and goods. It provides brake systems, powertrain components and systems, chassis components and systems, safety systems, motion-control systems, display technologies, human-machine interfaces, interior sensing solutions, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics and connectivity solutions, electric architecture solutions, tires, and technical elastomers.

-In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, sales to the automotive industry excluding the replacement business accounted for approximately 62% of the Company’s total sales.

-One aspect of the Company’s global strategy is to achieve an increased balance of sales across all of its operating regions, thus allowing it to become less dependent on the European market. This concern is also furthered by the issue in that the automotive and tire markets in Europe and North America are largely saturated. As such, the Company aims to generate more sales in emerging markets, particularly in Asia, to improve its regional sales balance. This strategy can be seen in the trend of a steadily decreasing percentage of Company sales from Europe. The Company’s percentage of sales for Europe has decreased from 59.3% in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, to 49.2% in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

-In 2024, the Company decided to spin off its Automotive and Contract Manufacturing group sectors into a standalone, independent entity. The spin-off of the Automotive sector will enable the new entity to have increased transparency and agility, while also providing new opportunities for partnerships and investments. The spin-off will operate under a new brand, which will be launched by April 2025. The spin off is expected to be complete by the end of 2025, with the new resulting company listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange at that time. The Company’s Supervisory Board approved of the planned procedure on March 12, 2025. The procedure will be presented at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on April 25, 2025, for resolution.

-As of December 31, 2024, the Company is organized into four group sectors: Automotive, Tires, ContiTech and Contract Manufacturing. These four sectors are further divided into a total of 15 business areas. On January 1, 2024, the Company dissolved the Smart Mobility business area within the Automotive group sector, reallocating its operations across other Automotive business areas. In addition, within the ContiTech group sector, the Advanced Dynamics Solutions, Conveying Solutions, Industrial Fluid Solutions, Mobile Fluid Systems, and Power Transmission Group business areas have been reorganized into three regional Industrial Solutions business areas and the Original Equipment Solutions business area. On November 1, 2024, the Software and Central Technologies business area was discontinued and included into the Automotive group sector as a whole. In addition, the Contract Manufacturing sector consolidated the manufacturing of products by the Company for Vitesco Technologies until its completed merger with the Schaeffler Group on October 1, 2024. As such, the operational separation of production will continue to be promoted while the volume of contract manufacturing operations will continue to be reduced. As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s organizational structure is divided into group sectors and business areas as follows:

Group Sectors	Business Areas
Automotive	-Architecture and Network Solutions -Autonomous Mobility -Safety and Motion -User Experience
Tires	-Original Equipment -Replacement APAC -Replacement EMEA -Replacement The Americas -Specialty Tires
ContiTech	-Industrial Solutions Americas -Industrial Solutions APAC -Industrial Solutions EMEA -Original Equipment Solutions -Surface Solutions
Contract Manufacturing	-Contract Manufacturing

-The Company completed the spin-off of Vitesco Technologies on September 15, 2021. Vitesco Technologies announced its successful market debut with the start of trading of its shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. With the completion of the spin-off, Vitesco Technologies, the former Powertrain business area of the Company, has become independent.

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Shareholders

-As of December 31, 2024, the IHO Group holds 46.0% of the shares in Continental AG. This shareholding is attributable to two members of the Supervisory Board, Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann, and Georg F. W. Schaeffler. The remaining 54.0% of the shares are in free float.

-The Company's shares are listed on the Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, and Stuttgart stock exchanges.

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Products

Architecture and Network Solutions
Body & Security
-Body control modules
-Door systems
-Power closure systems
-Anti-pinch motor control
-Window lifter systems
-Power liftgate systems
-Sun roof control units
-Power door control systems
-Access control systems
-Exterior LED light control units
-Tire information systems
-Cockpit High Performance Computers
-Body High Performance Computers
-Cross-Domain High Performance Computers
-HPC housing and cooling solutions
-Passive Access Smart Entry (PASE) systems
-CoSmA digital access solution
-Smart autonomous doors
-Zone Control Units
-Wireless power charging systems
-DC/DC converters
-Antenna modules
-Gateways
-Door handle sensors
-Trunk access sensors
-Near field communication (NFC) external readers
-Heated and climate controlled seats
-Manual and memory seat adjustment systems
-Pneumatic seat systems
-Energy management systems
-Multifunctional smart device terminals
-Integrated antenna modules
-Intelligent Glass Control through variable transparency films
-Interior cameras

Connectivity
-Telematics control units
-Device connectivity
-5G connectivity solutions
-Network access devices
-Hybrid V2X platforms
-Cellular V2X communication systems
-Seamless mobile integration
-Smartphone integration systems
-Predictive connectivity systems
-Smart device integration systems
-Embedded telematics systems
-Connectivity box for two-wheelers
-eHorizon connectivity and navigation systems
-AutoLinQ connected services platform
-Intelligent Antenna Modules
-Telematics antennas
-Broadcast antennas
-Over-the-air updates
-Continental.cloud platform
-VoicR
-Intrusion detection systems

Autonomous Mobility
ADAS and Automated Functionalities
-Assisted & Automated Driving control units
-Safety domain control units
-Adaptive cruise control
-Blind spot detection
-Rear cross traffic alert
-Emergency brake assist
-Intelligent headlamp control (IHC) automated nighttime headlamp control system
-Lane departure warning
-Traffic sign recognition
-ProViu360 surround view systems
-Full stack automated driving solutions
-SAE Level 4 fallback systems
-Traffic jam assist
-Parking companion
-Cruising chauffeur highway driving assistance system
-Remote parking system
-Remote garage parking system
-Active rollover protection
-Intersection movement assist systems
-Speed limit assist systems
-Trailer stability assist systems
-Trailer reverse assist systems
-Lane keeping assist
-Off-road cruise control
-Driving Planner
-Right-turn assist system

Sensors
-Hi-Res 3D Flash Lidar
-Short range radars
-Long range radars
-Mono cameras
-Stereo cameras
-Multi-function cameras with lidar
-Surround view cameras
-Rear view cameras
-Mirror view cameras
-Short range lidars
-Ultrasonic parking sensors
-Digital mirrors

Safety and Motion
Integrated Safety Systems
-Pedestrian protection system which raises hood during impact
-Automatic emergency call systems
-Embankment safety control systems
-Active emergency belt control systems
-Post-crash braking systems
-Occupant monitoring systems
-Safety & Motion high performance computers
-Battery impact detection systems

Passive Safety and Sensorics
-Crash Impact Sound Sensors (CISS)
-Crash sensors
-Chassis position and acceleration sensors
-Intelligent Battery Sensors (IBS)
-High-Voltage Current Sensor (CSM)
-Pedal Angle Sensor (PAS)
-Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal (AFFP)
-V2X communication systems with M2XPro sensors
-Safety Platform for Efficient and Economical Design (SPEED) control units
-Steering angle sensors
-Torque sensors
-Active wheel speed sensors
-Engine/transmission speed and position sensors
-e-Motor rotor position sensors
-e-Motor rotor speed sensors
-Digital temperature sensors
-Inertial sensors
-Ultrasonic height and pressure sensors
-Road noise cancellation systems
-Acceleration satellite sensors
-Standard pressure satellite sensors
-Software-based sensor enhancement solutions
-ECUs
-Brake pad wear indicator
-Airbag control units
-Electronic tire information systems
-Intelligent battery sensors
-High-voltage current sensor modules
-Nearfield projection systems
-NightViu lighting systems

Washer Systems
-Hoses and connectors
-Nozzles
-Pumps
-Reservoir systems
-Camera cleaning systems
-Headlight cleaning systems

Brake Systems
-Disc brakes
-Drum brakes
-Simplex brakes
-Duo servo drum brakes
-Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) systems
-Electronic stability control (ESC) systems
-Drive-Brake units comprised of electric wheel hub motors integrated with frictino brakes
-Brake actuation systems
-Mechanical and electronic brake assist systems
-Electric parking brakes with lightweight drums
-Electric vacuum pumps
-Brake hoses
-Electronic brake systems
-Foundation brakes
-Brake calipers
-Caliper-integrated brake systems
-Electric parking brake ECUs
-Green Caliper lightweight units
-Drum Brake e-Si brake-by-wire systems
-Drum Brake e-DS Duo Servo systems
-Brake-by-wire systems with electronic brake pedal
-Semi-dry brake-by-wire systems
-Full-brake-by-wire systems with electronic brake pedal

Vehicle Dynamics
-Electronic air suspension systems
-Integrated air supply and control unit for 4Corner Air Suspension systems
-Chassis Domain Control Unit
-Regenerative brake systems
-Brake curve intervention systems
-Dynamic Torque Vectoring systems
-Driver steering recommendation systems
-Electric vacuum pump control units
-Scalable chassis control units
-Holistic Motion Control Software

Smart Mobility
eHorizon connectivity platform
-eHorizon Maps on Demand
-eHorizon road surface condition

Key as a Service
-Remote Cloud Key systems
-Access & Connected Car Module systems

Continental Verified Inspection

SINDRI vehicle data service

Tolling services

User Experience
Visual Display Systems
-Driver identification displays
-Natural 3D displays
-OLED displays
-In2visible Displays which hides control surfaces behind trim
-Switchable privacy displays
-Digital instrument clusters
-Secondary displays
-Windshield HUDs
-Scenic view HUDs
-Curved centerstack systems
-3D touch surface displays
-Pillar-to-pillar displays
-Crystal center displays

Control Elements
-Climate control units
-Cockpit modules
-Haptic controls
-Morphing controls
-Roof modules
-Integrated centerstacks
-Body control modules
-Door control units
-Gateways
-Light control units
-Haptic interaction surfaces

Infotainment
-Multimedia systems and platforms
-Flat panel radios
-Radio platforms
-Cross Domain Hub
-Faceplates
-Connected head units
-Ac2ated sound system
-Driver's workplaces for commercial vehicles

UX Assets software modules

Tires Division
-Passenger and light truck tires

Run-flat tires
Self-sealing tires
Tire noise-reducing technology
Winter tires
Summer tires
All-season tires

-Commercial vehicle tires
-Tire information systems
-Tread depth monitoring systems
-Tire pressure monitoring systems

ContiTech Division
Air Spring Systems
-Air spring systems for buses, trucks and rail vehicles
-Air actuators for pneumatics and vibration isolation
-Compensators

Benecke-Kaliko Group
-Foil and coated fabrics for automotive interior trim
-Molded slush skins
-Expanded vinyl

Compounding Technology
-Rubber compounds
-Sealing systems
-Molded parts

Elastomer Coatings
-Gas holder diaphragms
-Collapsible tanks
-Concertina walls
-Fuel cells
-Elastomer sheetings

Mobile Fluid Systems
-Hoses

Air conditioning
Air conducting
Brake and clutch
Charge air
Exhaust systems
Fuel
Heating and cooling
Powertrain
Screw connector
Quick connector
Steering and chassis
Hydraulic lines

Power Transmission Group
-Multiple V-ribbed belts
-Timing belts
-Flat belts
-Belt drive systems
-Drive belts

Vibration Control
-Hydromounts
-Mounting systems
-Adaptive mounts
-Spring strut mounts
-Seat suspension
-Dynamic vibration absorber
-Torsional vibration absorber
-Bushings
-Active engine mounts

Surface materials for various applications
-Instrument panels
-Door panels
-Side panels
-Center consoles
-Pillars
-Storage areas
-Sun visors
-Seat covers
-Seat backs
-Floor coverings
-Heel mats
-Rear trays
-Cargo compartment covers

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History

1871	Continental-Caoutchouc-und Gutta-Percha Compagnie was founded in Hanover as a joint stock company.
1892	The Company was the first German company to manufacture pneumatic tyres for bicycles.
1898	Production of automobile pneumatic tires without tread pattern started in Hanover-Vahrenwald.
1904	Presented the world's first automobile tire with a patterned tread.
1928/ 1929	Amalgamation with major companies of the German rubber industry to form Continental Gummi-Werke AG. Takeover of plants in Hanover-Limmer and Korbach/Hesse.
1943	Patent application filed for tubeless tires.
1955	At the beginning of the year the Company was the first German company to start manufacturing tubeless tyres. The Company is also the first company to develop air springs for trucks and buses.
1960	Mass production of radial tires began.
1961	Completion of the plant in Dannenberg/Elbe. Initial production comprised plastic components for the automotive industry.
1964	Construction of a tyre plant in Sarreguemines/France.
1967	Opening of the Contidrom tyre testing facility on the edge of the Luneburg Heath.
1971	Europe's largest hose manufacturing facilities were set up at the Korbach plant. The entire hose production was transferred from Hanover to Korbach.
1972	Launched the studless ContiContact winter tyre.
1975	Large-scale production of raw-edge V-belts started.
1976	In Northeim, one of Europe's largest conveyor belt production lines came on stream.
1979	Takeover of the European tyre operations of Uniroyal Inc., USA. With the acquisition of four production plants in Belgium, Germany, France and Great Britain. The Company gained a wider base in Europe.
1983	Unveiling of the ContiTyre System for passenger cars. Thanks to its run flat capability, the system was used today on special personal security vehicles. The Company hydro mounts - special bearing elements used in engines for isolating vibration and noise - were mass-produced for the automotive industry.
1985	Acquired tyre business of Semperit, Austria and established Semerit Reifen AG. Obtained plants in Traiskirchen, Austria and Dublin, Ireland. (Ireland plant was closed in 1996)
1987	Acquired General Tire Inc. (Ohio, U.S.A.) Obtained manufacturing plants, two in U.S. and two in Mexico. (Two plants in Mexico were sold in 1993)
1988	Acquired Anoflex Group, major hose coupler manufacturer of France.
1990	Established a joint venture with Mabor of Portugal.
1991	Established a joint venture (currently GTY) with Toyo Rubber and Yokohama Rubber of Japan to produce tires for commercial vehicles. General industrial products business was reorganized into 29 independent companies under the brand name "Contitech". With its ContiEcoContact tyre, the Company was the first manufacturer to launch an environment-friendly passenger tyre featuring special fuel-saving and high-mileage benefits.
1997	Presents ISAD, the Integrated Starter Alternator Damper, which stood for a new technology capable of damping engine vibrations.
1998	Alfred Teves GmbH in Frankfurt, which includes plants, research centres and test tracks, was integrated into the Continental Automotive Systems division.
1998/99	Expanded its position in the global tire market through: technology transfer with Fate, Argentina; joint venture for the production of commercial tires with the Slovakian company Matador, acquisition of production facilities and outlets of Grupo Carso, Mexico; and the takeover of 60% of the South African manufacturer Gen Tyre, now operating under the name of Continental Tyre South Africa. The first non-European assembly site for complete wheels was opened in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. Further steps on the way towards internationalizing ContiTech's operations are the purchase of conveyor belt plants in Chile and Mexico, as well as boosting of manufacturing facilities in Brazil, Mexico and Hungary.
2000	A new plant for passenger tires starts production in Timisoara, Romania. Continental Teves entered into an extensive partnership with the Japanese conglomerate Nisshinbo in the field of brake and chassis systems for the Japanese and Korean markets.
2001	Acquired Temic GmbH, Nuremberg. Continental Teves Corporation, Japan, took over the majority holding in Shin-Ei and Shin Tec, manufactures of brake actuation components and disk brakes. ContiTech acquired a 51% stake in a joint venture company, ContiTech Grand Ocean, in China.
2002	The Company and Bridgestone announced that they will be cooperating on run-flat tire systems with the goal of creating a worldwide standard for run-flat tire systems that will be installed on conventional rims. The Company and Yokohama signed an agreement to work more closely in the tire business in the future. A 50:50 joint venture company was established to promote activities geared towards Japanese carmakers.
2003	Established a joint venture together with Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby Berhad. ContiTech sets up a joint venture for the production of air spring bellows in Korea.
2004	Expanded its production base in Romania by opening up a plant that makes assemblies for automotive electronics. Acquired the wheel-sensor business of a Japanese company having manufacturing operations in China. A new plant in Mexico, for the production of brake components, was opened.
2005	Acquired Phoenix AG.
2006	Production of brake calipers commences at the new plant in Zvolen, Slovakia, and of passenger, light truck and commercial vehicle tires in Camacari, Brazil. ContiTech acquires a Danish manufacturer of power transmission belts. Acquired the automotive electronics business of the company Motorola, Inc.
2007	Acquired a majority interest in the Slovak company Continental Matador Rubber s.r.o. Acquired Siemens VDO Automotive AG and advances to among the top five suppliers in the automotive industry worldwide.
2008	In July, Schaeffler KG made a takeover offer to the Company. In August, the offer was accepted with certain conditions.
2011	Consolidated the Passenger & Light Truck Tires and Commercial Vehicle Tires divisions into one Tires division.
2012	Formed a joint venture with SK Innovation called SK Continental E-motion to develop, produce and distribute lithium-ion battery systems for cars and light commercial vehicles.
2012	Acquired molded brake components business of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies.
2013	Acquired UK-based ASL Vision, a technological solutions provider, to improve the Company's advanced drive assistance systems business unit.
2013	Formed a joint venture with Nisshinbo Holdings called Nisshinbo-Continental Precision Machining for the development of valve blocks.
Jan. 2014	Acquired Taizhou Fuju Rubber Belt Manufacture Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of drive belts for automotive aftermarket and general industry applications.
Feb. 2014	Acquired Veyance Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of conveyor belts, hoses, power transmission belts, and air springs, for approximately EUR 1.4 billion.
Apr. 2014	Acquired full ownership of former joint venture, Zytek Automotive, an engineering company which primarily develops conventional, electrical and hybrid drive systems.
Jul. 2014	Acquired 100% ownership of Emitec, a manufacturer of diesel particulate filters and metal substrates for exhaust gas catalysts, for GBP 46 million. Emitec was formerly a 50/50 joint venture between the Company and GKN.
Nov. 2014	ContiTech's Benecke-Kaliko Group acquired Mecaseat's Gorvi S.A., located in Spain, and Mecapol, located in Poland to expand its production of foils for car interiors.
Jan. 2015	Completed acquisition of Veyance Technologies Inc., a U.S. rubber company.
Apr. 2015	Formed joint venture with Belgium-based automotive service group D'leteren called OTA keys S.A., to provide virtual key services for car-sharing companies in Brussels.
Jun. 2015	Formed joint venture with Huayu Automotive Systems called Huayu Continental Brake Systems Co., Ltd. for the development of brake products.
Jul. 2015	Completed acquisition of Elektrobit Automotive Group, a software development company.
Mar. 2016	Acquired High-Resolution 3D Flash Lidar business from Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc. (ASC)
Oct. 2016	Acquired Hornsuchuch Group, a major manufacturer and designer of functional and compact films, foam laminates, and artificial leather.
Oct. 2016	Acquired majority stake in Zonar Systems Inc., a specialist in fleet management solutions.
Jul. 2017	Acquired minority share in EasyMile SAS, an autonomous driving company based in France focused on developing driverless electric shuttles.
Jul. 2017	Acquired Quantum Inventions, a mobility intelligence provider based in Singapore focused on intelligent transportation systems.
Nov. 2017	Acquired Argus Cyber Security, a global leader in automotive cyber security headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Jan. 2018	Acquired a 5% indirect ownership of HERE, a mapping and location data and service provider, from Audi, BMW and Daimler.
Jul. 2018	Acquired VUK, a machine tool manufacturer from the Czech Republic, to enhance its development and production of tire assembly machinery.
Oct. 2018	Acquired Katherin Automotive, a specialist and manufacturer of vehicle antennas.
Nov. 2018	Reached agreement to acquire Cooper-Standard’s anti-vibration systems business, which is scheduled to close in the first half of 2019.
Feb. 2019	Acquired Kathrein Automotive, the automotive division of Kathrein-Werke KG which focuses on developing and manufacturing antenna and satellite technologies.
Apr. 2019	Acquired anti-vibration systems business of Cooper Standard for USD 265.5 million.
Sep. 2019	Acquired minority stake in Cartica AI, a software developer focused on the field of artificial intelligence.
Jan. 2020	Completed divestiture of 50% stake of SAS joint venture to partner Faurecia for EUR 225 million. SAS manufactures complex interior modules.
Sep. 2020	Announced plans for dissolution of 50-50 automotive lighting joint venture formed with Osram.
Oct. 2020	Acquired minority stake in AEye, In., a developer of AI-driven lidar systems for autonomous and assisted driving.
Sep. 2021	Completed spin-off of Vitesco Technologies as an independent company.
Nov. 2021	Signed agreement to acquire Trelleborg's printing solutions business.
Jan. 2024	Dissolved Smart Mobility business area in the Automotive group sector; Restructured ContiTech group sector into three regional Industrial Solutions business areas, an Original Equipment Solutions business area, and the Surface Solutions business area.
Dec. 2024	Formally announced plan to spin off Automotive group sector as a European company by the end of 2025.