Continental

About Continental

Continental AG is one of the world's largest automotive technology suppliers, headquartered in Hanover, Germany. Founded in 1871, the group covers tyres, brake systems, instrumentation, sensors, fuel systems and rubber-belt drive components. Several major sub-brands sit under Continental: ATE (braking), VDO (sensors and instruments), ContiTech (belts, hoses, AVS mounts) and the Continental tyre business itself.

The Continental aftermarket footprint

ContiTech belts and hoses — Continental is one of the two dominant OE suppliers of timing belts (alongside Gates) and accessory drive belts to European manufacturers. The CT-series timing belt kits include matched tensioners and idlers, which avoids the common mistake of reusing an old tensioner with a new belt.

ATE braking — ATE is the German OE supplier of brake hardware to Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Porsche. The Power Disc range (with the cooling slot) and the OE-spec brake fluid are widely-stocked aftermarket items.

VDO sensors and electronics — VDO is the OE source for many European injectors, lambda sensors, fuel pumps, dashboard instruments and TPMS sensors. For these components, VDO is often the only direct OE-spec replacement available.

When to choose Continental / ContiTech / ATE / VDO

For timing belts on most European engines where Continental was the OE supplier, the ContiTech kit is the safest replacement. For brakes on German premium cars, ATE is the OE equivalent. For fuel-system components and TPMS sensors, VDO is often the OE supplier — using a different brand can throw codes or affect closed-loop fueling.

Find Continental, ContiTech, ATE and VDO parts mapped to your vehicle by entering your registration above.

Visit the Continental Aftermarket portal for the full catalogue.