The supply of Continental Tires to the United Arab Emirates will not be stopping any time soon. This is thanks to an extended partnership between Emirates for Universal Tyres (EUT) and Continental. The deal took place in late December 2019 and ensured that EUT will continue to be the major distributor for Continental until 31 December, 2023.
The partnership has been in existence for 15 years. The extension solidifies Continental’s commitment and dedication to supplying its tires to the region. The deal was struck at an event held in Abu Dhabi where the two signed it in agreement.
The Managing Director for Continental Middle East, Karel Kucera, and Director of the Abdulla Al Masaood & Sons Group, which is the parent company of EUT, Khalifa Abdulla Al Masaood, were present to oversee and represent their respective companies as they signed the deal. Other notable persons present included the Regional Manager for Middle East & Africa, Jon Ander Garcia, and the General Manager at Emirates for Universal Tyres, Shaun Smith.
Continental has been making significant moves in the UAE to improve is customer support and quality of service. The event was one such move. The German tire, automotive and technology company had previously opened a new warehouse in Jebel Ali for its spare parts. This was with the aim of ensuring that there is smooth tire supply to retailers for both commercial vehicles and passenger cars. In 2018, the company also launched the Generation 6 tire range which was specifically designed and built for the Middle East.
When talking about the event, Kucera said that the company was very pleased to continue working with EUT. The latter has been a big part of their growth process in the Middle East for the last 10 years. This includes being a key partner in their sponsorship of the 2019 UAE AFC Asian Cup and the development and deployment of the Generation 6 range of tires. Kucera is confident that the two will continue doing great things.
In their 10-year partnership with Continental, EUT has managed to open two showrooms that it fully-owns and four warehousing and state-of-the-art service facilities. These take care of any needs that Continental end customers may have regarding quality services and products. EUT has also managed to supply 200 retailers across the region with Continental training and products. Lastly, it has fitted hundreds of thousands of commercial trucks, SUVs, heavy-duty forklifts and supercars with Continental tires.
When asked about the partnership, Smith said that the company is proud to be part of Continental. In their efforts to equip vehicles with tires, they have played a role in Continental’s growth and have promoted safe driving in UAE. Being granted another opportunity to continue doing this is an honor for them and they look forward to growing the Continental brand further.