Some companies are off to a great start, but eventually register just ephemeral success. There are titans ruling the entire industry but very few have earned the prominence and respect that Continental tires have painstakingly garnered for themselves. Surpassing 150-years, it has witnessed all phases of its life cycle but what kept it and us ‘moving’, was inexorable thrust that was vanguard by innovation and a constant quest to deliver top-notch quality, very Teutonic in its approach!

The brand is nearing its 150th year of operations and will be celebrating not only the legacy, but also its chief insignia of a galloping horse. As with most quaint objects, there is substantial historical importance here too. The symbol of this horse has been with the brand as long as it has been with us.

What lies beneath this logo is vibrant history. Albeit it remains a bit uncanny as to how old it is or since when it has made its presence felt on every tire, it has made a special place in the German marque’s heart as it appeared in 1875. What led the founders choose this horse as the company’s emblem is when a veterinarian named Hartmann invented Hoof buffers, an integument the form of soft rubber that prevented horses from slipping on icy surfaces and assured mobility when it was attached to their feet. Following this, the brand put its hands into producing and disseminating the hoof buffers where the horse insignia was portrayed which served as the perfect impetus for them.

Apart from this, there are a couple of reasons for the horse to accompany the brand in a dignified fashion. Germans have had an attachment for horses like a few on this planet. A horse in a similar stance was carved on the coat of arms for the Dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg. This tradition dates back to as early as 14th century and the heritage is given its due recognition in Germany’s Lower Saxony region.

Secondly, the Hanoverian equestrian ilk is one of the oldest and also the most populous of the warmblood types. It’s known for its features of great predisposition, sober appearance and sinuous movement.

This breed was requested in its hey-day in the town of Hanover when Continental’s inception took place contemporaneously in 1871. This further gives an inkling that the brand might have wanted to prefer it as its logo.

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Along with the aforementioned features, this horse was a conclusive proof of the characteristics of power, nimbleness, and perseverance that was unmatched. Add to this, velocity, self-esteem and independence and it became a perfect logo that could describe not only these qualities but also untie what the brand stood for and how it moved the world on such staunch principles.

Horses have had a profound impact and a robust nexus with the Arabian regions too as their owners treat them well providing with nutritious supplies, taking care of their health, provide a great shelter and make transactions worth millions during bidding events. Wagers are put to procure and race horses too.

Karel Kucera, Managing Director Middle East and North Africa for Continental tires speaks, “Continental is responsible for the world’s first patterned tread tyre and has produced generations of premium tyres for everything from bicycles, motorcycles and commercial vehicles, to the world’s finest performance supercars. It’s also the first tyre manufacturer to introduce a range of tyres specifically for the Middle East region, with its Generation 6 collection. So it’s a great time to be part of the Continental family and share in this very special anniversary year.”

With its unwavering dedication and belief in quality, the brand has been able to usher into the modern era and provide a wide variety of mobility applications for everyone. This is without being dubious, going to expand the company's reach to nations other than the 61 it is serving currently. It would be heartening to see what radical innovations take place in the future given that every generation has joined the business and given us products that are hard to fault.

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