Why do automakers prefer Continental tyres?

Tyres, the round, black donuts that are often overlooked by its users. Objectively speaking, tyres are one of the most important components in your car. It’s been often said that tyres are your vehicle’s only contact patches with the road surface. Therefore, carmakers spend a considerable amount of time and effort to match the right tyres to their cars.

It isn’t just about slapping on any random tyre on the cars that roll of the production line. Carmakers work very closely with tyre brands from the inception of any model. Carmakers would usually shortlist 3 or 4 tyre brands to do development testing on a certain model, and then narrow it down from there as production looms.

Enter Continental, one of the biggest tyre brands in the automotive world. Data has shown that 1 in 3 vehicles sold in Europe is factory-fitted with Continental tyres. This would indicate that automakers prefer Continental to be their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partner, but why?

For starters, Continental aren’t just any tyre company. Established in 1871, Continental now boasts presence in over 60 countries, including Malaysia. The brand promises German engineering and performance at competitive prices. This is made possible for our market as Continental has manufacturing facilities in Petaling Jaya and Alor Star.

Central to Continental’s R&D prowess is the Contidrom, an all-encompassing tyre-testing facility located near Hannover, Germany. Dry-weather testing? Check. Wet-weather testing? Check. Off-road testing? Also check. In 2013, the Contidrom was awarded ‘Proving Ground of the Year’ by Automotive Testing International Magazine.

Since 1967, the Contidrom has tested over 1.3 million tyres, and has formed the blueprint for the brand’s local testing facilities around the world. Having such comprehensive testing and R&D facilities gives car manufacturers peace of mind, that the tyres equipped with their cars will be of a high standard.

It is because of this, Continental tyres are a popular OEM choice, even on the local front. Volvo, Volkswagen, Proton, Nissan and Honda all count Continental as an OEM tyre partner. It’s not hard to see why. So, if you're looking to experience German Technology on your long road trips, #AskForContinental. Want peace of mind during this rainy season? #AskForContinental. If you need advice or recommendation on which Continental tyre suits you best, find your nearest Continental outlet here.

This article is sponsored by Continental Tyre Malaysia