Oct 8, 1871 CE
Continental-Caoutchouc- und Gutta-Percha Compagnie founded
Founded as a joint-stock company in Hanover, Germany, to produce rubber and gutta-percha goods. Initial capital of 300,000 thalers.
Chronological Storyline (39 Milestones)
1872 CE
First production of rubber goods
Began manufacturing rubber products including carriage tires, hose pipes, and waterproof fabrics.
1878 CE
First bicycle tires
Introduced bicycle tires, capitalizing on the cycling boom in Europe.
1882 CE
Company renamed to Continental Caoutchouc- und Gutta-Percha Compagnie AG
Changed corporate name to reflect AG status.
1892 CE
First pneumatic tire for automobiles
Produced the company's first pneumatic tire, following Dunlop's invention, for early motor vehicles.
1904 CE
Introduction of tire tread pattern
Developed the first tire tread with a pattern, improving grip and safety, a milestone in tire technology.
1908 CE
Expansion into rubber footwear
Diversified into shoe soles and other rubber goods, expanding product range.
1914 CE
World War I impact and production shift
Converted production to war materials, including tires for military vehicles and rubber parts.
1928 CE
Acquisition of German rubber companies
Acquired several smaller rubber manufacturers, consolidating market position.
1932 CE
First all-steel cord tire
Introduced a steel cord tire for trucks, increasing durability and load capacity.
1945 CE
Post-war reconstruction
After severe damage in WWII, Continental rebuilt its facilities in Hanover and resumed production.
1951 CE
Introduction of the 'Conti' brand logo
Adopted the iconic 'Conti' brand and logo, still used today.
1955 CE
First tubeless tire for passenger cars
Launched tubeless tire technology, enhancing safety and reducing punctures.
1960 CE
Acquisition of a tire plant in France
Expanded into the French market, establishing a manufacturing presence.
1967 CE
First radial tire production
Began producing radial tires, a technology that became industry standard.
1971 CE
Centennial celebration and restructuring
Marked 100 years with reorganization into tire, industrial-products, and automotive-parts divisions.
1979 CE
Acquisition of Uniroyal's European operations
Purchased Uniroyal's tire assets in Europe, boosting market share.
1985 CE
Entry into automotive electronics
Established a division for automotive electronics, including brake systems and sensors.
1991 CE
Acquisition of Alfred Teves GmbH
Acquired the brake-system specialist Teves, becoming a leader in brake technology.
1995 CE
Listing on Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Shares were listed (though the company had been publicly traded earlier), increasing transparency.
1998 CE
Acquisition of ITT Automotive brake business
Acquired ITT's brake and chassis division, expanding in North America.
2001 CE
Acquisition of Temic Telefunken Microelectronic GmbH
Acquired Temic, strengthening automotive electronics and sensor capabilities.
2004 CE
Launch of 'ContiGuard' integrated safety system
Introduced a holistic safety concept combining brakes, steering, and driver assistance.
2006 CE
Strategic acquisition of Siemens VDO Automotive
Acquired Siemens VDO for €11.4 billion, making Continental one of the world's largest automotive suppliers.
2007 CE
Financial crisis and profit warning
Hit by global financial crisis, Continental issued two profit warnings and saw shares drop.
2009 CE
Government-backed loan and restructuring
Received a €1.5 billion loan from banks and the German government to avoid bankruptcy; implemented cost-cutting.
2010 CE
Return to profitability
Reported net profit of €1.1 billion, recovering from crisis.
2012 CE
Acquisition of Veyance Technologies
Acquired the conveyor belt and rubber hose specialist Veyance for €1.4 billion, expanding industrial business.
2014 CE
Launch of 'ContiSense' smart tire technology
Developed prototype tires with sensors to monitor tread depth and temperature, pioneering connected tires.
2015 CE
Announcement of 'Vision 2025' strategy
Outlined strategic plan focusing on electrification, autonomous driving, digitalization, and sustainability.
2016 CE
Partnership for autonomous driving with Baidu
Collaborated with Chinese tech company Baidu to develop autonomous driving technologies.
2017 CE
Restructuring into three main divisions
Reorganized into Chassis & Safety, Interior, and Powertrain divisions to streamline operations.
Jul 12, 2018 CE
Spin-off plan for Powertrain division as Vitesco
Announced intention to spin off Powertrain division to focus on electrification, later completed in 2021.
2019 CE
Profit warning and cost-cutting program 'Transformation 2019-2029'
Initiated a restructuring program aiming to save €500 million annually due to market slowdown.
Mar 1, 2020 CE
COVID-19 pandemic impact and production halts
Temporarily closed many plants worldwide as automotive demand collapsed; later recovered.
Sep 16, 2021 CE
Spin-off of Vitesco Technologies completed
Vitesco Technologies, the former Powertrain division, listed separately on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
2022 CE
Launch of 'ContiConnect' digital fleet management platform
Introduced a cloud-based tire monitoring solution for commercial fleets, enhancing digital services.
2023 CE
CEO Nikolai Setzer outlines 'Vision 2030'
Setzer, who took over in 2020, presented a long-term strategy focusing on software-defined vehicles and sustainable tire materials.
2024 CE
Expansion of battery-electric vehicle component production
Invested in new plants for battery management systems and electric drive units amid EV transition.