Continental's de Louw out, Hippe in as CTNA CEO and president

May 12, 2005

Martin de Louw, the CEO and president of Continental Tire North America Inc. (CTNA) and head of Continental AG's Passenger and Light Truck Tires division, has left the company "by mutual agreement, due to differing views over (its) business strategy," according to Continental AG officials.

Continental AG Chairman Manfred Wennemer replaces de Louw as head of Continental AG's Passenger and Light Truck unit.

Dr. Alan Hippe has replaced de Louw as CEO and president of CTNA.

In addition, Hippe is taking over responsbility for CTNA's passenger and light truck tire business in North America, effective immediately, "for a limited period of time."

De Louw had run Continental AG's Passenger and Light Truck Tires unit since 2003.