Continental adds air spring production in Brazil

Hanover, Germany - Continental AG has expanded its capabilities in Brazil to include the production of air spring systems to support local OE and aftermarket demand in the commercial vehicle sector. 

The move will enable the production of air spring systems for bus, truck and trailer applications at a single location, a ContiTech statement said 4 Feb.

The new capacity will respond to the ‘noticeable’ increase in demand in the Brazilian market, particularly in the original equipment business, according to Alexander Papadimitriou, head of Continental's aftermarket business for commercial vehicles in the air spring systems segment. 

This trend, Papadimitriou noted, will have a “corresponding spill-over effect on the spare parts business.”

While metal leaf springs have been a popular alternative in the Brazilian market, Papadimitriou said demand is shifting in the direction of air springs made of rubber and plastic because they are durable, lightweight and reduce emissions.

"In the aftermarket, in particular, we have to be able to meet demand very quickly and at short notice, and the new production capacities will ensure this," Papadimitriou said.

Continental’s air springs business is part of the ContiTech division along with non-tire rubber products such as automotive hoses and interior trim and conveyor belts.