Continental Expands Rayong Tire Plant in Thailand with Over 300 Million Euro Investment to Strengthen Asia-Pacific Supply Capabilities

With the expansion, Continental is increasing the production capacity of its tire plant in Rayong, Thailand, by additional 3 million passenger and light truck tires per year.

(IN BRIEF) Continental has inaugurated a major expansion of its tire plant in Rayong, Thailand, supported by an investment of more than 300 million euros, or approximately 13 billion Thai Baht. The expansion adds annual capacity for 3 million additional passenger car and light truck tires and creates 600 new jobs, strengthening the plant’s role in Continental’s Asia-Pacific production network. The event also marked the start of local radial motorcycle tire manufacturing at Rayong, expanding the site’s motorcycle tire portfolio from diagonal to radial products. Continental said the expanded facility will help the company respond faster to rising tire demand across Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region, particularly in ultra-high-performance tires, SUV-focused products, electric vehicle tire lines and premium motorcycle tires. The Rayong plant uses advanced automation and quality assurance systems, while also prioritizing renewable energy and responsible water management. Its photovoltaic systems provide around 6.7 megawatts of capacity, and the plant has reduced water consumption per unit of production by more than 70 percent. Continental began production at Rayong in 2019 and added motorcycle tire manufacturing in 2021, making the facility a key regional hub for passenger car, light truck and motorcycle tire production.

(PRESS RELEASE) HANNOVER, 22-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Continental has officially inaugurated the expansion of its tire manufacturing plant in Rayong, Thailand, marking a major step in the company’s growth strategy for the Asia-Pacific region. The expansion increases the plant’s annual production capacity by an additional 3 million passenger car and light truck tires, while also creating 600 new jobs in Rayong province.

The investment exceeds 300 million euros, equivalent to around 13 billion Thai Baht, and is aimed at strengthening Continental’s ability to serve customers in Thailand and across the wider Asia-Pacific market. The inauguration event was attended by government representatives, key partners, employees and other stakeholders.

The expansion also marks the launch of local radial motorcycle tire production at the Rayong facility. By broadening its motorcycle tire portfolio from diagonal to radial tires, Continental is reinforcing the role of the Rayong site within its global motorcycle tire production network and improving its ability to respond to changing customer and market requirements in the region.

The high level of automation in the expansion of the Rayong plant ensures highest quality.

“Our Rayong tire plant is a vital pillar of our global production network,” said Christian Kötz, Continental CEO. “With this expansion, we are further strengthening our footprint in Asia-Pacific to deliver locally produced premium car and motorcycle tires to our customers. This investment underlines the strategic importance of Thailand and the APAC region for Continental.”

Continental said the expanded Rayong plant will help the company address rising demand for passenger car, light truck and motorcycle tires across Thailand and Asia-Pacific. The site plays an important role in Continental’s regional supply strategy, supporting faster response times and greater flexibility as customer needs continue to evolve.

“Asia-Pacific is a dynamic, fast-growing region and a key driver of our long-term growth plan,” said Dalibor Kalina, Head of Continental’s tire business in the APAC region. “We aim to build on this momentum and grow further with ultra-high-performance tires. We are driven by strong sport performance credentials and a growing SUV-focused portfolio designed for the region’s evolving lifestyles. By expanding our plant, we are strengthening our regional supply capabilities, enabling us to respond faster to changing customer demands and support future growth across the Asia-Pacific region.”

The Rayong expansion also reflects Continental’s focus on advanced production processes, automation, workplace safety and operational efficiency. The facility uses state-of-the-art technology and automated systems to support high-quality tire production and quality assurance throughout the manufacturing process.

“This expansion is a key milestone for us. By using state-of-the-art technology and automation, we are making our operations safer, smarter and more efficient. We are a strong partner for the Rayong province, creating 600 additional jobs and driving sustainable local economic growth,” said Vignesh Devasenapathy, Plant Manager of the Continental tire plant in Rayong.

Continental has also highlighted renewable energy and responsible water management as important priorities at the Rayong site. The plant operates rooftop, carport and floating photovoltaic systems with a combined capacity of around 6.7 megawatts. Through a structured water management approach, the facility has reduced water consumption per unit of production by more than 70 percent.

The company’s sustainability and safety efforts at the site have earned the Rayong plant two consecutive Safety and Environmental Governance awards from the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand.

Continental began production at the Rayong plant in 2019, initially manufacturing passenger car and light truck tires. Motorcycle tire production was added in 2021. Today, both passenger car and motorcycle tire manufacturing at the facility use advanced production technology, high levels of automation and strict quality controls. Tire components are inspected throughout the production process, supported by automatic monitoring systems designed to ensure precision and consistency.

The Rayong plant produces premium tires such as the MaxContact MC7, along with other tire lines developed to meet the needs of electric vehicles. In 2025, Continental supplied original equipment tires to seven of the ten highest-volume electric vehicle manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific region.

The facility is also one of Continental’s largest motorcycle tire production plants worldwide. The IATF-certified site manufactures premium bias-ply and radial motorcycle tires with a high level of automation and in line with demanding original equipment standards.

Media Contacts:

Ildikó Kovács
Spokeswoman, Manufacturing and Logistics
+49 511 976-36221
ildiko.kovacs@conti.de

Linlin Zhao
Business Area Replacement Tires Asia Pacific (APAC)
Manager Communications
Continental Tires
+86 13501785849
linlin.zhao@conti.cn

SOURCE: Continental