Continental Tyres has scored a double first, winning two individual categories of the inaugural TAFF (Tyre and Fast Fit) Awards organised by the National Tyre Distributors Association.

Not only did voting from the retail trade confirm Continental as the 'Best tyre Brand' for 2005 in the awards, but the Company's World Cup-themed advertising campaign hit the target, winning the Best Advertising Campaign category.

It's not the first time that Continental has been voted the trade's favourite brand, scooping the Tyre news Industry Awards Brand of the Year, forerunner of the TAFF Awards, a record three times.

Voting coupons for the Awards were widely distributed by the association throughout the tyre trade, to both members and non-members, via the trade press.

NTDA past president, Martin Rowlands, presented the Awards to Continental Managing Director, Brian Smith on the occasion of the Association's recent annual dinner.

For Brian Smith, wining the Best Tyre Brand category is recognition that the Company's involvement in industry campaigns such as the 3mm tread depth initiative and cold weather tyres is appreciated by the retail trade. "It's not enough to manufacture and distribute a range of premium quality products. At Continental we also strive to build partnerships with our customers to help them develop their business potential. It is most gratifying to win this award and I would like to thank everyone who voted for us."

Continental's World Cup-themed advertising campaign on TV and the press also proved a winner with tyre retailers. "This is just the beginning of a series of initiatives linked to our sponsorship of the 2006 FIFA World Cup", explained Brian, "One of the most exciting is our signing of Alan Shearer as Continental brand ambassador and we're looking forward to working with him over the coming months."