Continental tires are made by Continental AG, a German multinational company founded in 1871 and headquartered in Hanover, Germany.
Continental is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers, operating 19 tire production facilities across 16 countries on multiple continents.
In the United States, Continental operates four tire manufacturing plants: Clinton, Missouri; Mount Vernon, Illinois; Plymouth, Indiana; and Sumpter, South Carolina.
The Mount Vernon, Illinois plant is Continental’s largest and most advanced truck tire facility in the United States and earned the company’s first U.S. ISCC PLUS sustainability certification in December 2025.
Continental’s largest shareholder is the Schaeffler Group, a German automotive supplier, which holds approximately 46% of Continental AG shares.
Continental also owns General Tire, a well-known American brand it acquired in 1987, and the Hoosier Racing Tire brand used in motorsport applications.
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Who Owns Continental Tires?
Continental AG is a publicly listed German company trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker CON. The Schaeffler Group, a family-controlled German automotive supplier, holds approximately 46% of Continental’s shares and is the company’s dominant shareholder.
Continental is not owned by any competing tire company. Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear, and Continental are all independent entities competing at the top of the global tire market.
In 2025, Continental completed a major corporate restructuring by spinning off its automotive technology division as a separate company called Aumovio SE. Continental now focuses entirely on tires and its ContiTech industrial rubber products business.
Where Are Continental Tires Made in the United States?
Continental’s four American plants cover both passenger car and commercial truck tire production. The Clinton, Missouri plant and Mount Vernon, Illinois plant are the main facilities for truck and bus tires destined for the North American market.
The Plymouth, Indiana and Sumpter, South Carolina plants handle passenger car and light truck tire production. The vast majority of Continental commercial truck tires sold in the U.S. are made at these American facilities.
Continental clearly labels its American-made tires with the DOT plant code. The plant code “A3” on a tire’s DOT number identifies the Mount Vernon, Illinois facility. Buyers who specifically want a U.S.-made Continental tire can ask their dealer to verify the plant code at the point of purchase.
What Countries Make Continental Tires?
Continental manufactures tires in Germany, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Portugal, France, South Africa, Malaysia, China, India, and several other countries. This 19-facility network in 16 countries gives Continental the production flexibility to serve regional markets with locally made product.
Germany remains the home of Continental’s most advanced research and development, with the company’s premium performance tires often developed and initially produced at its German facilities before transferring production to regional plants. The Hanover-area plants are implementing autonomous mobile robots for tire transport as part of an Industry 4.0 modernization push ongoing as of 2025.
Continental Tire History: 150 Years of German Engineering
Continental was founded on October 8, 1871, in Hanover, Germany, initially producing rubber products including rubber tires for horse-drawn carriages and solid rubber bicycle tires. It produced its first automobile tire in 1892 and its first detachable pneumatic tire in 1898.
Continental expanded internationally throughout the 20th century. A key move in the American market came in 1987 when Continental acquired General Tire from GenCorp, giving it a major established brand in the U.S. market alongside the premium Continental label.
Continental also acquired Uniroyal’s European tire operations, Matador, and several other regional brands over the decades, building the multi-brand portfolio it operates today. The company has been a supplier of original equipment tires to German premium automakers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche for decades, which contributes significantly to its reputation for engineering quality.
Continental vs. Michelin: Which Tire Brand Is Better?
Continental and Michelin are two of the top-four global tire manufacturers and are frequently compared by buyers seeking premium European engineering. Both brands produce tires across all vehicle categories and both supply OE tires to the world’s most demanding automakers.
Continental is generally recognized for exceptional wet-weather performance and precise handling feedback, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and the German automaker brands that prioritize handling dynamics. Michelin tends to score higher on long tread life and fuel efficiency, with many independent tests showing Michelin tires delivering the most miles per tread depth unit.
Continental is typically priced slightly below Michelin at equivalent performance levels, which makes it the preferred choice for buyers who want near-premium performance at a slightly lower cost. Neither brand has a clear overall winner; the best choice depends on the specific vehicle, climate, and driving priorities. For other German-owned tire brands, see Where Are Falken Tires Made and Where Are Goodyear Tires Made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Continental Tires
Are Continental tires German?
Yes. Continental AG is a German company founded in Hanover in 1871. German engineering is central to the Continental brand identity. However, the company manufactures tires in 16 countries including four U.S. plants, so the tires on American shelves may be made in the USA or Germany depending on the model and size.
Does Continental own General Tire?
Yes. Continental acquired General Tire in 1987 when it purchased General Tire from the American conglomerate GenCorp. General Tire is now a brand within the Continental portfolio, targeting the value-oriented segment of the American tire market.
How do I know where my Continental tire was made?
Look at the DOT number molded into the tire’s sidewall. The first two characters after “DOT” are the plant code. Plant code “A3” identifies Continental’s Mount Vernon, Illinois facility. Continental provides a list of its U.S. manufacturing plant codes on its commercial tire website for buyers who want to confirm domestic origin.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.