08/03/2005 ContiChampionContact tyres stolen from factory premises in Korbach

Hanover, July 2005. A large number of ContiChampionContact tyres have been removed from the warehouse in Korbach by person or persons unknown. The tyres, which are not yet available on the market, are currently being offered for sale via various channels, including the internet. The public prosecutor and the police are carrying out investigations.

Here you can download the press release as a doc-file (112 KB).

The ContiChampionContact is part of Continental's marketing concept for the 2006 FIFA World CupTM and will be fitted to all official vehicles used by the teams and the organisers. Individual samples in specifically designed display units will be featured in specialist tyre outlets ahead of the event to highlight the company's sponsorship role.

"In terms of its technology, the tyre is based on the successful ContiSportContact 2" is how Ralf Hoffmann, Brand Manager Marketing Europe, describes this special edition tyre. The original sports tyre was developed for fast cars and what makes it stand out is its precise steering response and high speed cornering stability. It also has high safety reserves to handle braking and aquaplaning. This tyre, which is popular with car customisers, is available in around 100 variations and sizes, making it one of the largest ranges of sports tyres of any one brand.

As the ContiChampionContact is not yet available on the market, the factory management in Korbach is confident that the authorities will succeed in clearing up the matter up completely.

 "All of these tyres, whether they are offered for sale via the internet or through other channels, are stolen" summarises Ralf Hoffmann, who strongly warns against getting involved in any such deal. "Basically, buying tyres at sometimes dubious internet auctions at apparently bargain prices is something to be avoided. Instead, they should be bought from a qualified specialist dealer who will give proper advice. After all, we're talking about safety-relevant vehicle parts."

The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of tires, brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics and technical elastomers. In 2004 the corporation realized sales of EUR12.6 billion. At present it has a worldwide workforce of more than 81,000.

The Tires division is an Official Partner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup GermanyTM. Further information is available at www.conti-online.com and www.ContiSoccerWorld.com.