Manfred Wennemer

In his presentation "Growth against resistance", Manfred Wennemer explains topics relating to value enhancement and value creation in the automotive industry.

The Continental Corporation is one of the world's leading suppliers to the automotive industry with comprehensive expertise in tire and brake technology, vehicle dynamics control, electronics and sensor technology. The company is divided into four divisions: Passenger and Commercial Vehicle Tires, Automotive Systems and ContiTech.

Around 80,000 people are currently employed at more than 100 locations in 27 countries. In 2005, sales amounted to EUR 13.8 billion with an EBIT of EUR 1.5 billion. This corresponds to a return on sales of 10.8%. The company is listed in the DAX30.

The Group is pursuing an active expansion strategy. In 2004, Phönix AG, the world's leading specialist in rubber and plastics technology, was acquired. In April 2006, the intention to acquire Motorola's automotive electronics business was announced. The declared corporate objective is to strengthen the strategic competitive position and increase the global presence. For CONTINENTAL AG, increasing profitability and consistent cost management in all areas are the basis for the company's success. The extent to which this is linked to issues of value enhancement and value creation is expressed in the corporate vision "Creating value is what drives us".

A core principle of the corporate philosophy is: "We want to grow in a sustainable and value-oriented manner and work towards a lasting increase in value". Value enhancement is therefore the benchmark for action at all levels and increasing the value of the company is one of the central management tasks.

How this corporate philosophy is implemented at Continental AG and which strategies and instruments are used to realize the increase in value is explained by Manfred Wennemer in his presentation.

Status: Beginning of 2007