Unless the emphasis is placed on a specific group sector, the opportunities apply to both group sectors.
There are opportunities for Continental if the economy performs better than anticipated.
If the economy in our major sales regions develops better than anticipated, we expect that demand for original-equipment, replacement and special tires as well as industrial products will also develop better than we have anticipated. Due to the increased demand for Continental’s products among vehicle manufacturers and industrial clients and in the replacement business that would be expected as a consequence, our sales could rise more significantly than expected and there could be positive effects with regard to fixed cost coverage. Particular importance is attached to the European market due to the high share of sales that Continental generates in this region (49%).
There are opportunities for Continental if prices fall on the raw materials markets relevant to us.
Continental’s earnings situation is affected to a significant extent by the cost of raw materials such as oil, natural and synthetic rubber, as well as logistics and energy. If prices for natural and synthetic rubber in particular decline, this could have a positive impact on Continental’s earnings.
There are opportunities for Continental from the reduction of trade barriers and favorable developments in exchange rates.
In 2025, higher tariffs in the US market and an unfavorable euro-US dollar exchange rate weighed on Continental’s earnings position. If trade conditions improve or exchange rates move in Continental’s favor, this could create opportunities to ease the company’s cost base and strengthen its market position. Such developments could also contribute to a generally more positive market environment.
Continental’s strategic transformation into a pure-play tire company presents it with opportunities.
With the spin-off of the former Automotive and Contract Manufacturing group sectors and the planned sale of the ContiTech group sector, Continental is undergoing a profound structural transformation into a pure-play tire company. This realignment opens up multiple opportunities. Focusing on the tire business enables more targeted allocation of financial and organizational resources, greater strategic agility and an intensified concentration on core competencies in product development, efficient manufacturing and customer-centric supply chains. The elimination of complex structures can accelerate processes and improve Continental’s return on capital employed. In addition, the increased transparency of the business model can strengthen the company’s competitive position and enhance its attractiveness to capital market participants.
The tire business presents Continental with opportunities.
Continental intends to further increase its market share in the growth markets of Asia and North America in particular. In the passenger-car tire segment, the global business with tires for electric mobility and ultra-high-performance tires is to be systematically expanded. The truck and bus tire business is to be further developed in key regions through Conti360˚ fleet services. Continental’s specialty tire business, which includes not only two-wheel and racing tires but also tires for a variety of industrial applications, is expected to see additional growth as well. Smart, digital tire solutions, such as the latest ContiConnect generation of sensors, will also make a contribution to differentiation in the market. The market launch of the highly efficient Conti HA5 NXT city bus tire, made with up to 60% renewable, recycled and ISCC PLUS mass-balance-certified materials, is one example of this (see the Research and Development section). If Continental succeeds in increasing its market share in high-margin and high-growth segments and in digital solutions and services even more than planned, this is likely to have positive effects on its sales and earnings.
Greater focus on ContiTech’s industrial business presents Continental with opportunities.
With the sale of the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business area, the ContiTech group sector is focusing on the profitable industrial business. Growth potential in the industrial business results primarily from the increasing demand for sustainable as well as digital and intelligent solutions. In this regard, the ContiTech group sector draws on its long-standing and detailed knowledge of the industry and materials to open up new business opportunities. This involves combining a wide range of materials with electronic components and individual services. If these new products become established more quickly than planned, this would create corresponding sales and earnings opportunities.
There are opportunities for Continental from the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Digital and AI-based applications can contribute in particular to optimizing development and production processes and to enabling more efficient management of global supply chains. Data-driven solutions also offer opportunities in Continental’s sales markets. Additionally, the ongoing digitalization of tires also creates potential for new service- and data-based business models across the entire product life cycle.
There are opportunities for Continental from changes in the legal framework.
Regulatory developments in the areas of sustainability, supply chain transparency and market oversight lead to higher requirements for product and process standards. Such regulations can benefit manufacturers that already have robust supply chain processes, established sustainability strategies and advanced material and technology expertise. Since Continental has been investing in these areas for years, stricter regulatory requirements could create opportunities for differentiation, strengthening the premium segment and establishing new market entry barriers.
