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1870s - 1910s
8th October 1871 : Continental-Caoutchouc-und-Gutta-Percha Compagnie is founded in Hannover as a joint stock company.
From its earliest days, Continental has been a strong partner in the transport business. Buffers for horseshoes and solid tires for carriages are among the first products produced since the 1870s.
Consequently, in 1882, the rampant horse is adopted as trademark of the company.
1892 : Continental is the first German company to manufacture pneumatic tyres for bicycles. It is the beginning of the success story of the Continental tyres' brand that features so many innovations.
1920s
The company's 50th anniversary sees Continental as the first German company to bring the cord tire onto the market. This innovations allows the use of pneumatic tyres for bigger vehicles, such as trucks and buses.
1921 : The first giant pneumatic tires are made by Continental and replace the solid tyres used on commercial vehicles until that time.
1924 : Continental advances the cord tyre markets "Conti-Cord" - a low pressure balloon tyre. This technique enhances the driving comfort and the life of the tyre.1930s
Brand claim in the 1930s : Tyres for every class of vehicles running on wheels. 1940s
1943 : Continental files the patent for tubeless tyres and is the first company worldwide to do so. 1950s
1955 : Based on innovations in passenger car tyres, the first M+S tyres for trucks are introduced and build the foundation of Continental Truck Tyres' position as the market leader in winter tyres. 1960s
Segment-specific communication of products for trucks, buses and construction vehicles continues in the 1960s. 1970s
In the 1970s and 1980s, Continental AG goes international.
The acquisition of Uniroyal for Europe in 1979 is the first step into this direction.
The acquisition of Semperit Reifen GmbH follows in 1985.
The acquisition of General Tyre in 1987 is an aggressive move into the US market.
1990s - today
The former leading east European brand Barum, which was acquired by Continental AG in 1993, is now one of the biggest pan-European budget brands.
In 2003, Continental strengthens its position in Asia and Australia by establishing a joint venture together with Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby Berhad.
In the current brand portfolio, Continental is the globally distributed premium brand.
Uniroyal, Semperit, General Tire, Barum and Sime Tyres are distributed in nominated local areas.
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