Continental, a premium tyre manufacturer from Germany, has expanded its investment in Thailand with the opening of the second phase of its tyre manufacturing facility in Rayong Province. The expansion represents an investment of more than EUR 300 million (US$ 343 million).

The investment is intended to strengthen Thailand's position as a production and export base for new tyres serving the ASEAN and Asia-Pacific markets. The expansion will increase the production capacity of passenger car and pickup truck tyres by 3 million units per year and includes the official launch of a production line for radial motorcycle tyres.

The new production line is intended to support the growing market for large-displacement motorcycles and high-performance motorcycle users. The facility incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies and a high degree of automation, enabling accurate and safe production processes while maintaining quality standards consistent with those applied in Germany. The expansion is also expected to create new employment opportunities in Rayong Province and surrounding areas.

According to Continental's executives, the Rayong facility is an important manufacturing site within the company's global production network and plays a strategic role in its growth plans across the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, demand for high-performance tyres for SUVs and electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow rapidly.

The facility also focuses on sustainable manufacturing practices. It is equipped with solar energy systems, including rooftop solar panels, solar carports, and floating solar installations, with a combined capacity of more than 6.7 megawatts. In addition, its water management system reduces water consumption in the production process by more than 70 per cent per unit produced.

Continental Rayong currently manufactures a range of premium tyres, including products specifically designed for electric vehicles.