HANOVER, Germany-Continental A.G. has created a new business unit, dubbed ``Conti International,'' to oversee activities outside the main European and North American markets. Hans Schaber, a 23-year veteran of various marketing posts, will direct the department, which will coordinate Conti's various manufacturing, marketing and technology licensing activities in Asia, Africa, Australia, Latin America, Poland and the former Soviet Union. Conti International also will be responsible for new business development in these areas.
The new unit encompasses many business relationships established originally by General Tire. In areas where the General brand has a strong identification, it will be continued and fostered, Conti said.-By Bruce Davis, Europe Correspondent.
Vredestein to close tire plant
VELP, Netherlands-Vredestein N.V. reported decreased sales and earnings for 1993, compared with 1992, and said it expects to completely close its industrial tire plant in Maastricht, Netherlands, later this year.
The Dutch tire maker's profits plunged 60.6 percent to $2.63 million (5 million Dutch guilders, converted at current rates). Sales declined 4.5 percent to $242.1 million (460 million guilders). The company identified car tires, bicycle tires and rubber boots as profitable areas but said other areas were not.
Apollo plans truck radial plant
BARODA, India-Apollo Tyres Ltd. has announced plans to build a radial truck tire plant in Baroda, Gujarat State, at a total cost of $64.5 million. Earlier this year, Apollo was one of three Indian tire makers to establish a joint-venture engineering company with Continental A.G. to develop manufacturing technology for steel radial truck tires.
Vietnam to get new tire plant
BOMBAY, India-Ceat Ltd., India's second-largest tire maker and largest tire exporter, reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnamese government to build a $60 million tire plant in Vietnam.