Continental Begins Premium Radial Motorcycle Tire Manufacturing in Thailand to Support Global Market Demand

Continental celebrates the expansion of the plant at the opening ceremony in Rayong.

(IN BRIEF) Continental has started radial motorcycle tire production at its Rayong plant in Thailand, marking a major step in the company’s global motorcycle tire strategy. The launch was celebrated on 22 May 2026 as part of the opening ceremonies for the second expansion phase of the Rayong facility, which also supports Continental’s Passenger and Light Truck Tires division. The new radial production capability strengthens Continental’s international manufacturing structure alongside its established motorcycle tire operations in Korbach, Germany, and improves the company’s ability to respond more quickly and flexibly to changing market demand. The Rayong plant is equipped with advanced technology, high levels of automation and strong vertical integration, with all production steps carried out in-house from rubber compound manufacturing to the finished tire. The facility produces both radial and diagonal motorcycle tires for different rider needs, including sport-touring and adventure touring applications. Continental also highlighted the plant’s IATF certification, received in March 2026, as confirmation of its high manufacturing standards and reliability for global original equipment customers. The expansion also supports sustainability and local economic development, with the plant using solar energy to cover around 13 percent of its electricity needs and creating new jobs in the region.

(PRESS RELEASE) HANNOVER, 22-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Continental has launched radial motorcycle tire production at its Rayong plant in Thailand, marking an important milestone in the company’s international motorcycle tire strategy. The start of radial production was celebrated on 22 May 2026 during the opening ceremonies for the second expansion phase of the Rayong facility, which also supports Continental’s Passenger and Light Truck Tires division.

The development strengthens Continental’s global production network for motorcycle tires and expands the capabilities of the Rayong site, which is becoming an increasingly important manufacturing hub for the company in Asia. The launch also supports Continental’s ability to serve customers in different regions with greater speed, flexibility and product availability.

The start of radial production of Motorcycle Tires marks a significant milestone.

“By expanding our facility in Thailand, we are strategically strengthening our global production structure for Continental Motorcycle Tires. Together with our established operations in our Korbach plant in Germany, we are laying the groundwork for a faster, more flexible response to market demands,” said Christoph Ettenhuber, Head of Business Field Motorcycle Tires at Continental. “Rayong is a key component of our international motorcycle tire strategy and underscores our clear commitment to growth and state-of-the-art production processes. For our customers, this means premium quality made by Continental – no matter which continent they’re on or which roads they travel.”

The motorcycle tire production facility in Rayong is equipped with advanced manufacturing technology and designed for a high level of vertical integration. From rubber compound production to the delivery of the finished tire, all production stages are carried out in-house. Continental said the facility follows the company’s global standards for quality control, process knowledge and production reliability.

The Rayong plant is designed to manufacture both radial and diagonal motorcycle tires, giving Continental the flexibility to address a wide range of rider needs and usage profiles. The portfolio supports different motorcycle segments, including sport-oriented riders and adventure touring customers. Products already being produced at the site include popular radial tires for the sport-touring segment, as well as diagonal tires for adventure touring applications.

Continental has placed a strong emphasis on automation and quality assurance throughout the production process. Each component is inspected at every stage to ensure that strict quality specifications are met. Automated monitoring systems are used to reduce the risk of manual errors and maintain precision across all manufacturing steps.

“Quality is our top priority – for our original equipment customers as well as for end consumers,” said Sahil Agrawal, Head of Manufacturing Operations in Rayong. “Our system captures every detail: all tires are fully traceable at every production step. Online monitoring systems such as automatic scales, profilometers and camera systems ensure that every component is within specification limits. Automation – from the green tire spray system to automatic tool management – enables us to achieve maximum quality levels while creating an ergonomic and safe working environment.”

The launch of radial motorcycle tire production also builds on the Rayong plant’s recognition under international automotive manufacturing standards. In March 2026, the facility received IATF certification, confirming that the site meets high global standards for quality processes and production reliability. The certification provides original equipment customers with added confidence in the plant’s ability to deliver consistent quality and secure supply at an international level.

The expansion of the Rayong tire plant also reflects Continental’s broader commitment to responsible and sustainable manufacturing. The facility uses solar energy and currently covers approximately 13 percent of its electricity needs from renewable sources. In addition, the expansion is creating new employment opportunities and contributing to the regional economy in Thailand.

With the start of radial motorcycle tire production, Continental is further strengthening Rayong’s role in its global tire manufacturing network. The plant’s advanced technology, automation, IATF certification and expanded production portfolio position it as a key site for premium motorcycle tires serving both original equipment customers and end consumers.

Media Contact:

Melina Kostmann
Press spokeswoman
Motorcycle Tires
Continental Tires
+49-151-68985670
melina.2.kostmann@conti.de

SOURCE: Continental