Continental, one of the largest tire and automotive technology suppliers in the world, is celebrating its 150th year in business in 2021.
The company was founded in Hannover, Germany, in 1871. Over the next 15 decades, Continental transformed from a local manufacturer of tires and soft rubber products to an international technology company.
Important innovations
Continental has a global fleet of automated and autonomous driving test vehicles. They collect data covering more than 9,000 miles per day. The result is around 100 terabytes of data and corresponds to around 50,000 hours of driving footage.
A supercomputer evaluates these test drives and creates virtual worlds in which further real test drives can be simulated. This virtual simulation enables up to 5,000-mile test drives per hour, helping to significantly shorten development times for automated and autonomous driving technologies.
This year, Continental was recognized with three CES 2021 Innovation Awards. This marked Continental’s eighth CES Innovation Award and fifth consecutive year being recognized for its mobility innovations.
The company has been active in sustainability initiatives throughout its history. Continental was the first manufacturer to launch an environmentally friendly passenger tire, the ContiEcoContact, in 1991. Continental was also the first to release a prototype commercial truck tire made of alternative natural rubber in 2016, using its Taraxagum rubber from dandelions.
Continental also contributes to the sustainability of the manufacturing industry. In March 2019, the company announced an open-source, eco-friendly dip technology called Cokoon.
This new technology bonds textiles and rubber without the use of resorcinol and formaldehyde in the textile dip.Textiles are widely used as reinforcing materials in tire manufacturing, as well as in the production of mechanical rubber goods such as hoses and conveyor belts.
The series production of the first of 250 000 passenger car tires featuring their new sustainable adhesive technology began in 2019. Continental’s Vision 2030 integrates sustainable and responsible business as a key ambition.
By 2050, the company aims to reach: 100 % carbon neutrality along its entire value chain, including products, operations, and supply; 100 % emission-free mobility and industries; 100 % circular economy with closed resource and product cycles; and 100 % responsible sourcing and business partnerships.
