In a candid and insightful conversation with Subadra Anand, Samir Gupta, Managing Director of Continental India delved into the brand’s strides and accomplishments in the dynamic landscape of 2023. This dialogue illuminated Continental’s journey, spotlighting growth, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable mobility within the automotive industry. Amidst the shadows cast by the pandemic, 2023 emerged as a pivotal year for Continental, symbolizing a return to normalcy and heralding exponential progress.
Globally, Continental stood as a beacon of financial improvement, signalling a resilient and pioneering entity within the industry. The introduction of cutting- edge products such as the tubeless tire, integrated with intelligent sensors, proved to be a watershed moment. This innovation elevated mileage by up to 20% and improved fuel efficiency by 3%, affirming Continental’s prowess in combining technology with performance. Moreover, the rollout of the post-contact pipeline for passenger cars served as a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to safety. These tyres boasted low noise, exceptional traction, and an unparalleled ability to navigate diverse terrains with optimal efficiency.
The Indian chapter of Continental’s journey commenced in 2011, marking a turning point in the brand’s footprint within the Indian market. Taking the reins of operations, Continental expanded its repertoire by introducing truck and bus radial tyres, swiftly followed by an extension into passenger car tyres. The brand’s persistent investments, introduction of new sizes, and innovative patterns underscored Continental’s commitment to evolving alongside the Indian market. Safety, comfort, and innovation have remained at the core of their offerings, ensuring a seamless blend of performance and reliability for Indian consumers.
Launch Of CrossContact H/T
Continental Tyres recently showcased its cutting- edge technology at a Track Day in Chennai, turning the spotlight on the much-anticipated CrossContact H/T. Launched in India in 2023, this tire is a testament to Continental’s commitment to innovation and performance. The CrossContact H/T, short for Highway/ Terrain, is not just a tire; it’s a feat of engineering tailored to meet the diverse needs of the Indian market. With an 80% on-road and 20% off-road focus, this tire boasts a robust and durable design, ensuring reliability on various terrains. It comes complete with a special verification indicator, providing drivers with added confidence on the unpredictable Indian roads. The versatile range accommodates various rim sizes from 15 inches to 18 inches in diameter, addressing the growing demand for larger tire sizes in India.
Some features of this new product are:
- The tread, rubber compound, and structure are designed to be robust enough to handle rides on mild off-road terrain easily.
- Grip Teeth: Small protrusions in the tread grooves that provide additional grip when driving on loose stones and uneven tracks, especially on non-asphalt tracks
- Strong tire shoulders to prevent damage from stones and scree.
- A special tread that ensures low rolling noise, which means a high comfort ride.
- This tyre comes with a special verification indicator.
The much-anticipated launch of the Cross Contact HT tire holds profound significance in the context of India’s ongoing infrastructural development. These tyres are tailored to cater to the demands of both highways and regional roads, offering a harmonious balance between performance and safety. Gupta emphasizes, “Alignment indicators on the tire give early warning signals if the alignment is wrong, addressing a key concern for Indian customers”. The inclusion of unique alignment indicators within these tyres has emerged as a boon for customers, providing pre-emptive warnings for misalignment, thereby ensuring safer and more efficient rides across a diverse array of terrains.
Consumer Awareness and Product Sustainability
Continental’s emphasis on customer education and safety awareness remains steadfast. The brand employs an array of platforms, harnesses the reach of channel partners, and leverages digital media to educate consumers about product features and safety measures. This holistic approach underscores Continental’s unwavering commitment to consumer well-being and satisfaction.
As per the Managing Director, “We’re committed to educating consumers and advancing product safety, aligning our tire innovations with customer demands and safety awareness.”
Sustainability stands as the cornerstone of Continental’s vision. By incorporating recycled PET bottles in tire production and committing to achieving carbon neutrality for 40% of their flagship products globally by 2030, the brand exhibits a resolute dedication to a greener and more eco-conscious future.
Vision Of the Future
As India charts a course towards becoming a $10 trillion economy, Continental envisions abundant growth opportunities, especially within the automotive sector. The burgeoning focus on infrastructure development, coupled with evolving trends in larger vehicles, automation, electrification, and digitization, serves as a catalyst for Continental’s unwavering commitment to adapt and innovate. This dedication ensures that their tire offerings align seamlessly with the dynamic transformations shaping the automotive landscape. Gupta shares, “India’s shift towards premium sedans and SUVs is driving larger car and tire sizes, complementing the automotive industry’s trends of automation, electrification, and digitization.”
Continental’s relentless pursuit of excellence, safety, sustainability, and innovation paints a promising trajectory towards a future where mobility transcends mere transportation. It epitomizes a harmonious blend of reliability, safety, and environmental consciousness. In every tire they produce, Continental echoes a commitment to progress and a world where mobility is synonymous with efficiency, safety, and a greener tomorrow. In the words of the MD, “Continental’s journey embodies innovation with a purpose, where each tire we craft represents a commitment to progress, safety, and a sustainable future for mobility.”
