Nikolai Setzer has been appointed as new Executive Board chairman of Continental AG until March 2024, effective December 1, 2020.

He succeeds Dr. Elmar Degenhart, who is stepping down from his position for health reasons, effective November 30, 2020.

“Continental is in the process of transforming into a technology and software company that, together with vehicle manufacturers, is laying the foundation for the sustainable mobility of the future. Nikolai Setzer has our utmost trust and confidence. The Supervisory Board is certain that he will push forward with and successfully shape this transformation. Key factors here are his deep, long-standing bond with Continental and its company values as well as his extensive international experience in the automotive and tire business,” explained Prof. Wolfgang Reitzle, chairman of Continental’s Supervisory Board. He added: “At the same time, we express our sincere thanks to Mr. Degenhart for his outstanding performance, his exemplary leadership and his considerable contribution to Continental’s success over the years. We wish him all the best for the future, especially regarding his health.”

In April 2019, Setzer switched to Continental’s Automotive Group, where he assumed the newly created position of spokesman of the Automotive Board and was thus responsible for maintaining a unified business strategy in this area. He will continue in this position. The number of Executive Board members at Continental will decrease from nine to eight on December 1, 2020.

Degenhart commented on the appointment of Setzer: “I hold Nikolai Setzer in highest esteem, which evolved during our close and trusting cooperation as a result of his excellent service in a variety of functions and areas of the company. By virtue of his strategic foresight and ability to implement ideas, he has gained recognition both in and outside the company. I welcome the Supervisory Board’s decision and wish Nikolai Setzer and the entire Continental team all the best and great success for the future.”

“Continental has been a strong values alliance for top value creation for nearly 150 years. In view of the profound transformation in the automotive industry, Elmar Degenhart and our entire Executive Board team set the necessary strategic course early on in order to enhance Continental’s competitiveness and viability. Therefore my most urgent task, together with executives and employees worldwide, is to pursue our ongoing growth course as a technology company without interruption and to lead Continental into a new era of mobility, backed by profitable growth,” said Setzer.

Setzer has worked at Continental since finishing his studies in engineering management in Germany and France in 1997. In his 23-year career at the company to date, he has held various positions in development and sales in Germany and abroad, assuming the position of head of the Hanover-based passenger-car tire business in March 2009. He has been a member of the Executive Board of Continental AG since August 2009. He assumed responsibility for the Tires business area – which was formed from the passenger-car and commercial-vehicle tire businesses – in August 2011 and for Corporate Purchasing in May 2015.

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On 18 June, the prestigious 22nd ‘World Brand Conference and Release Ceremony of China's 500 Most Valuable Brands’ was held in Beijing, organised by the World Brand Lab. Demonstrating its industry leadership, Doublestar achieved an impressive brand valuation of CNY 116.208 billion (approximately USD 16.21 billion), securing the 93rd position overall and maintaining its position as the highest-ranked Chinese tyre brand for yet another year.

This recognition underscores Doublestar's strong market presence and consumer trust, built on decades of innovation and quality craftsmanship. Moving forward, the company has committed to strengthening its brand influence through continuous technological advancement and sustainable development. By focusing on research and production of safer, smarter and more environmentally friendly tyre solutions, Doublestar aims to not only meet evolving market demands but also drive the high-quality growth of China's tyre industry.

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Continental Tires has achieved a major sustainability milestone with all its European tyre production facilities now certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standard. The certification extends to plants in Lousado (Portugal), Puchov (Slovakia), Korbach (Germany), Sarreguemines (France), Otrokovice (Czech Republic) and Timișoara (Romania), along with the supporting Industria Textil do Ave textile plant in Portugal. The company's Hefei facility in China has also earned this recognition, expanding Continental's sustainable manufacturing network globally.

The ISCC PLUS certification verifies Continental's compliance with rigorous traceability and documentation requirements for renewable and recycled materials used in tyre production. This system enables the company to track sustainable inputs throughout the manufacturing process using the mass balance approach, which allows gradual incorporation of eco-friendly materials while maintaining existing production systems. Continental is currently increasing its use of certified materials, including bio-based synthetic rubbers and circular-process carbon black, as part of its strategy to include over 40 percent sustainable materials in tyres by 2030.

As a globally recognised standard established in 2010, ISCC certification promotes climate-friendly, deforestation-free supply chains across multiple industries. It covers sustainable biomass, recycled materials and renewable resources, providing a framework for transparent, responsible sourcing. For Continental, this achievement represents both a validation of current sustainability efforts and a foundation for future innovations in eco-conscious tyre manufacturing. The company's growing network of certified facilities demonstrates its commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining product quality and performance standards across its global operations.

Jorge Almeida, head of Sustainability for Continental Tires, said, “The ISCC PLUS certification of all our European tyre plants is an important milestone and a strong signal for a more sustainable industry in Europe. But we're not stopping there. Our plants in other regions will follow step by step, like our Hefei plant, which is already certified. We have a strong ambition to make our tyre production more sustainable worldwide across our entire supply chain.”

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Bandvulc has expanded its Wastemaster 5 tyre range with a new 315/70 size, enhancing options for urban waste collection and recycling vehicles. Originally launched in 2021, this robust tyre boasts a high load rating and is manufactured at ContiLifeCycle’s Ivybridge facility in Devon, which produces Bandvulc and ContiRe retread tyres.

The Wastemaster 5 incorporates ARMORBAND technology, featuring a reinforced rubber layer along the sidewall to resist scrubbing damage and prolong tyre life. Its advanced tread design includes wide zig-zag grooves for mud and water clearance, stone ejection features, stepped blocks and deep sipes for superior traction in tough conditions. This upgrade reinforces Bandvulc’s commitment to durability and performance in demanding waste management operations.

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Eurogrip Tyres, India’s top 2 & 3-wheeler tyre brand under TVS Srichakra Ltd, today launched two exclusive retail stores in Chennai – at Selaiyur and Villivakkam. These outlets will stock a full range of two-wheeler tyres, tubes and biking accessories like helmets, alongside offering tyre care, puncture repair, fitment services and engine oil changes.

Catering to scooters, commuter bikes, performance bikes and superbikes, the stores provide diverse tyre patterns and sizes. They will also handle warranty claims for customers. The Selaiyur store is located at J C Group, Plot no 3, Agaram Main Road, Chennai - 600 073, while the Villivakkam outlet is at ST Enterprises, Old no 39E/New no 103, MTH Road, Chennai - 600 049. These expansions reinforce Eurogrip’s commitment to premium service and accessibility.

T K Ravi, COO, Eurogrip Tyres, said, “We are happy to reach out to more customers through our new branded retail stores. In a city that has a bustling two-wheeler vehicle population, there is a need to have more outlets to expand our network. Chennai is an important market for us, and we had opened our first branded retail store in Velachery last May. The response from customers and riders has been encouraging and we are happy to be launching 2 more stores in the city – this will help bolster our brand strength here. We plan to have more such signature stores in different cities to make our products and services easily accessible to customers.”

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