Hanover/Zurich, 20 May 2008. International automotive supplier Continental AG is continuing its long-term marketing strategy for its premium tire brand Continental and has been named an Official Sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM in South Africa in the tires product category. Continental also has an option to extend its sponsorship until the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil. "This top sponsoring deal continues the strategy we have been following since 1995 for our premium tire brand Continental and continues our focus on football as a central communication platform for increasing brand awareness in our core markets over the next three years," explained Continental`s Executive Board Member Dr Alan Hippe who is in charge of the Division Passenger and Light Truck Tires today in Zurich.

Continental has acquired the rights to market sponsorship of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ worldwide and will use this to link product communication with sponsorship. In addition, Continental has once again received a sizeable ticket contingent and premium hospitality, which has become an important cornerstone in its activation strategy. “It is great to be able to welcome Continental back into the FIFA World Cup Sponsor family. Continental has been an active supporter of the game of football for many years. It is a big advantage for all those involved in the event to have such prestigious global partners on board, underlining the confidence of leading blue-chip companies in the first African World Cup. We look forward to a close and fruitful relationship on our joint path towards the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” commented the FIFA President.

In the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World CupTM, Continental is planning to carry out numerous ticket promotion campaigns that will allow business customers and end customers alike to enjoy the games. Continental's website www.ContiSoccerWorld.com provides details of all of its campaigns for UEFA EURO 2008 and all other football activities. Information about the 2010 FIFA World Cup can be found on the official website www.FIFA.com.