2007.09.25 Hanover, 20^th February 2007: Continental's Commercial Vehicle Tire Division is warning all distributors and truck owners and/or drivers of the rising number of fake commercial vehicle tires available. In Eastern Europe in particular, cases of tires with look-alike tread patterns are very conspicuous. As Continental points out, this type of tire constitutes an increased safety risk and warns against fitting these pirated products.

So far no case of a 100% imitation of an original tire has come to light, although this does not necessarily mean that such products are not already there. Tires have, however, been found where the tread pattern has been faked or reproduced. According to Michael Korpiun, Head of Marketing for the Commercial Vehicle Tire Division at Continental: "We are aware of several cases where the tread pattern of a Continental truck tire has been copied one hundred per cent, but not the sidewalls and the designation."

What is also conspicuous in this context is that some distributors are withholding information about the origin of this type of tire and also the respective performance features. Michael Korpiun presumes that these tires came originally from Asia to Europe.

The company would like to point out that all its original tires have undergone a very long application-based series of tests before they come on to the market. Whether they are intended for use on trucks, buses and coaches, or in industrial applications, Continental tires are made from sophisticated materials, have a safe, balanced design and are produced through a qualified manufacturing process. On all Continental products, the casing and tread form one inseparable unit, whose composition is not obvious to the layman from the outside. The performance of a truck, bus/coach or industrial tire is not determined by its looks. "I can therefore only warn against judging tires by their tread pattern and price alone" explained Michael Korpiun. Continental will not accept any liability for claims in the context of this type of pirated tire and will use all legal means available where necessary. Michael Korpiun: "I am sure that neither the mechanical nor the chemical characteristics of these fakes are of a high quality."

Continental Truck Tires, Europe

As one of the largest manufacturers of premium tires for commercial vehicles, Continental carries a broad range of high‑performance products finely tailored to specific application areas for heavy‑duty and light trucks, buses and off‑road vehicles. Continental AG produces truck and bus tires under the Continental, Uniroyal, Semperit and Barum brand names. In existence since 1978, the ContiBreakdownService is an immediate‑response network of authorised dealerships providing an added margin of safety in the event of tire failure.

The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of tires, brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics and technical elastomers. Consolidated sales in 2006 amounted to 14.9 billion and employees currently number approximately 85,000 worldwide.

The tire division is an Official Sponsor of UEFA EURO 2008^TM. For further information visit the websites www.ContiSoccerWorld.de, www.contifanworld.com and www.conti-online.com.