Continental Tyres and Cooper Tyres are synonymous with quality in the automotive tyre industry. Made with high quality products, with maximum mileage in mind, these two brands have established themselves as leaders in the field of automotive tyres. But what is the history of these great brands? How did they come into being, and emerge as the premier providers of quality tyres? This article will take you on a little trip through history, as it seeks to explore Continental and Cooper tyres and what makes them great.
Continental Tyres was founded way back in 1871 in Hanover, Germany. The company was established with the aim of supplying a diverse range of rubber products to a variety of industries. Early continental rubber products included bicycle and carriage tyres. In 1892 Continental became the first German company to manufacture bicycle tyres that where solely manufactured from rubber. In 1898 early motor vehicles came into being. Unreliable and often dangerous they proved to be highly popular with the wealthy and Continental found a new outlet for its rubber. The first car tyres produced by Continental where completely treadles, taking on a hair bend in the late 19th century could mean putting the driver's life on the line. Between 1890 and 1900 the motor vehicle developed rapidly and the sport of motor racing began. In 1901, one the very first models of Mercedes equipped with Continental Tyres won the prestigious Nice - Salon - Nice motor race cementing its legacy. In 1904 Continental became the first company to release a tyre with tread cementing its legacy.
Cooper Tyres was founded in 1914 in Ohio by businessman Ira Cooper. The company expanded rapidly and by the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 the company has gained a reputation for quality. During the war years the company was converted from a civilian operation to a producer of military wares including pontoons, waterproof bags, landing boats and most importantly tyres. The company received a special dissertation at the end of the war for services rendered to the country. The Company grew in popularity and in 1960 was listed on the New York stock exchange. Cooper Tyres is now the ninth largest tyre manufacturer in the world and is only growing larger.
Continental Tyre and Cooper Tyres have contributed greatly to the evolution of the motor vehicle industry. The history of both companies is marked by success and innovation. As motorists we often pay more attention to the vehicle make or how fast it goes, hopefully this article has provided an insight into a simple product we often take for granted: the tyre.
Continental Tyres was founded way back in 1871 in Hanover, Germany. The company was established with the aim of supplying a diverse range of rubber products to a variety of industries. Early continental rubber products included bicycle and carriage tyres. In 1892 Continental became the first German company to manufacture bicycle tyres that where solely manufactured from rubber. In 1898 early motor vehicles came into being. Unreliable and often dangerous they proved to be highly popular with the wealthy and Continental found a new outlet for its rubber. The first car tyres produced by Continental where completely treadles, taking on a hair bend in the late 19th century could mean putting the driver's life on the line. Between 1890 and 1900 the motor vehicle developed rapidly and the sport of motor racing began. In 1901, one the very first models of Mercedes equipped with Continental Tyres won the prestigious Nice - Salon - Nice motor race cementing its legacy. In 1904 Continental became the first company to release a tyre with tread cementing its legacy.
Cooper Tyres was founded in 1914 in Ohio by businessman Ira Cooper. The company expanded rapidly and by the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 the company has gained a reputation for quality. During the war years the company was converted from a civilian operation to a producer of military wares including pontoons, waterproof bags, landing boats and most importantly tyres. The company received a special dissertation at the end of the war for services rendered to the country. The Company grew in popularity and in 1960 was listed on the New York stock exchange. Cooper Tyres is now the ninth largest tyre manufacturer in the world and is only growing larger.
Continental Tyre and Cooper Tyres have contributed greatly to the evolution of the motor vehicle industry. The history of both companies is marked by success and innovation. As motorists we often pay more attention to the vehicle make or how fast it goes, hopefully this article has provided an insight into a simple product we often take for granted: the tyre.
