German tyre and automotive supplier Continental reported an 11% growth in its net sales in the Middle East during 2016 as it presented its plan for 2017 at a three-day regional partner conference in the UAE.
In a fiercely tough market, where consumers seek premium design and value for money, the growth was presented as testament to the support of the brand’s partners and market recognition of the quality of Continental’s tyre products.
At the conference, Continental also outlined its plans for the opening of some 58 new retail outlets across the region in 2017, accompanied by investment in enhanced storage and distribution facilities and new products designed especially for the region.
These upcoming outlets will provide a level of service and expertise that customers might not otherwise find at a standard garage or tyre shop, with product advice and services provided by tyre specialists trained to German standards.
Jose Luis de la Fuente, MD of Continental Middle East, noted: “Continental has gone from strength to strength in the region since opening its Middle East headquarters in 2015, while collaboration with our regional partners has deepened. Now, the planned launches across the Middle East for 2017 will give us a strong platform for future growth.”
In 2016, Continental also opened retail outlets in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt to address the growing demand for the brand’s ultra-high performance products.
The brand also collected an award for ‘Best Public Awareness Campaign’ from the Qatar Transport Safety Forum for its efforts in the field of transport safety through its Vision Zero campaign.
Jon Ander Garcia, business developer for the Middle East and Africa, added: “The Middle East region is a key growth market for Continental, and our investment in the region and in products designed specifically for the region demonstrates our commitment to the needs of customers here the quality of service that they seek.”
Founded in Hannover, Germany, in 1871, Continental is a top supplier of automotive parts and tyres and an established OEM supplier, with brands including General Tire, Barum, Matador and Uniroyal in the Middle East.
