Interview: Nikolai Setzer, Executive Board Member, Tyre Division, Continental

With developed automotive markets remaining flat, tyre manufacturer Continental is focusing on emerging markets. Nikolai Setzer, Member of Continental’s Executive Board and Head of Tyre Division, says the focus for growth and investments will be on the BRIC nations that comprise Brazil, Russia, India and China, as markets in Europe and North America witness slow movement. Continental’s tyre division accounted for revenues of €9.6bn (US$13.3bn) last year, and Setzer says the strength of the Euro means it was flat despite higher sales.