Leading tyre manufacturer Continental has clinched the title of UK's Tyre Brand of the Year at the NTDA Annual Dinner on 24 March 2004 in Birmingham. Readers of Tyre News were invited to vote for their favourite tyre brand on the criteria of which brand makes their life easier, in terms of availability, quality and profitability.

Commenting on the factors contributing to the Company's success, Brian Smith, Managing Director of the Continental Tyre Group, pointed towards Continental's position as the fastest developing premium tyre brand in the UK, a fact reflected by the company's sales growth which currently stands at almost 15% per year. In addition to its impressive sales performance, Continental is currently Europe's top OE passenger brand and is fitted on over 25% of all new cars. 

At the forefront of high performance development, Continental has extended its exciting product offering to include sizes up to 24" and has recently developed the first ever road tyre approved for speeds up to 225mph, the ContiSportContact 2 Vmax.

On receiving the award on behalf of the company, Brian Smith, comments, "We are delighted that the readers of Tyre News have chosen Continental as their top tyre brand in 2004. Our EcoContact, PremiumContact, SportContact and 4x4 products provide outstanding performance and high mileage - offering excellent value to consumers and good profit margins for dealers."

Over recent years, Continental has also developed and extended its range of business services providing superior customer services designed to assist the dealers in the day to day running of their operations. These business services range from online ordering and tracking, to electronic billing and proof of delivery and can provide real efficiency improvements for the dealer.

In support of Continental's product offering, heavy investment has been planned to strengthen the brand over the coming years. In 2003, the company signed up as Official Partner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. As arguably the world's highest profile sporting event, Continental believes the event will provide an unparalleled marketing platform to increase recognition of the Continental brand at an international level. The sponsorship will also provide added value to retailers across the UK and further enhance the brand by giving it a sportier and more emotional character.

Recognising the valuable contribution of his UK employees Brain Smith praised their part in Continental's success. He believes they are the "best in the business", as they help to fulfil Continental's vision to be the most professional supplier of quality tyres and customer services.