By Denna Bowman

Outspoken Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has been voted the worst person to share a driving adventure with, in a poll organised by Continental Tyres.

The tyres giant quizzed 2,000 motorists about which celebrity they would least like to share a 4×4 drive across the Sahara Desert with.

Clarkson was closely followed by ex-glamour model Katie Price with the Prime Minister David Cameron in third place.

At the other end of the scale, the most popular choice among men if a co-driver were to be female would be Kelly Brook, who has a quite different set of attributes.

The women who took the survey voted for Robert Pattinson as their preferred choice of co-driver.

The ‘research’ was conducted as part of the launch of the Conti 4×4 Trophy, where people compete for a place on an epic off-road challenge; driving a Hummer through the Sahara.

Tim Bailey, spokesperson for Continental Tyres, said: “Driving thousands of miles through the Atlas Mountains and the fiery sands of the Sahara Desert makes your choice of co-driver incredibly important. It’s a long, tough and often dangerous journey.

“Jeremy Clarkson might have motoring credentials but either his calamitous road trips on Top Gear his lack of practical skills or his outspoken views mean most people would leave him behind.”

Top ten worst celebs to go on driving adventure with:

1. Jeremy Clarkson

2. Katie Price

3. David Cameron

4. Kate Moss

5. Carol Vorderman

6. Christine Bleakley

7. Nick Clegg

8. Madonna

9. Simon Cowell

10. Lewis Hamilton

At the other end of the scale, the most popular choice among men if a co-driver were to be female would be Kelly Brook, who has a quite different set of attributes.

The women who took the survey voted for Robert Pattinson as their preferred choice of co-driver.

The ‘research’ was conducted as part of the launch of the Conti 4×4 Trophy, where people compete for a place on an epic off-road challenge; driving a Hummer through the Sahara.

Tim Bailey, spokesperson for Continental Tyres, said: “Driving thousands of miles through the Atlas Mountains and the fiery sands of the Sahara Desert makes your choice of co-driver incredibly important. It’s a long, tough and often dangerous journey.

“Jeremy Clarkson might have motoring credentials but either his calamitous road trips on Top Gear his lack of practical skills or his outspoken views mean most people would leave him behind.”

Top ten worst celebs to go on driving adventure with:

1. Jeremy Clarkson

2. Katie Price

3. David Cameron

4. Kate Moss

5. Carol Vorderman

6. Christine Bleakley

7. Nick Clegg

8. Madonna

9. Simon Cowell

10. Lewis Hamilton

By Denna Bowman

Continental has taken the coveted top spot in evo magazine’s third annual tyres test.

The ContiSportContact3 was lavished with praise in the monthly car mag’s performance tyres test, featured in February’s issue.

The test highlights exceptional performance across areas such as wet and dry handling, aquaplaning and braking.

Seen within the motoring industry as a stamp of approval for the best performance tyre, evo described Continental’s win as “an impressively complete performance”.

Fitted across a wide range of models throughout the market, evo tested the 225/40 R18 from a range of competitor brands, with the majority of testing taking place at the extensive facilities of the MIRA proving ground.

The title praised the Continental’s abilities across areas such as wet handling and braking, taking top spot in both categories. On Continental’s wet handling evo commented: “‘Masterful’, we said of the Continental. There were some great performances on the wet circuit but the Conti still stood out, setting the fastest lap time, recording the highest lateral G, and scoring the highest subjective mark, too-it wasn’t bettered.”

The title went on to heap further praise on the ContiSportContact3 and its breadth of abilities, adding: “Especially impressive was its stability-It barely acknowledged puddles that were registered by its closest rivals, and its traction was superb. ‘Amazingly surefooted and grippy; the limit is your nerve.’”

Jonathan Hayter, product manager at Continental, said; “This additional win for the ContiSportContact3 is an excellent endorsement for our product range. The ultra high performance tyre has proven its worth yet again next to competitor products and has displayed its prowess in a number of disciplines including wet handling and braking.”

By Denna Bowman

A survey by Continental tyres has revealed that 14 per cent of UK commuters car-share.

According to the study carried out for the tyres manufacturer, the environmental impact of motoring is the fourth most important consideration when commuters plan their journey to work.

The biggest concern that prompted people to find an alternative was the volume of traffic and the lack of available parking.

Half of all Brits say they will leave their car at home if fuel costs rise further, however 45 per cent of those using public transport now would switch to their car if petrol prices drop.

Tim Bailey, head of safety at Continental tyres, said: “What is clear is that people still appreciate the freedom and flexibility of driving and that sets a challenge and an opportunity for manufacturers.

“Three-quarters of us want more fuel efficient cars and nearly half would consider buying a hybrid motor.

“Car makers have invested considerable time and effort into technologies for bio-diesel engines and electric powered vehicles and as a result these are becoming a more popular consideration.

“Continental is also making significant investment in fuel efficient tyres for cars and is now developing new designs specifically for electric vehicles”.

The study of 2,000 motorists for established the routine and habits of commuters as well as their preferences.

It revealed that commuters will spend 58 working weeks - more than a year of their lives - sitting in traffic as part of their daily journey to work.

The survey also claimed that just over half, 51 per cent, of the respondents identified negative ways in which their commute affected their performance at work citing issues like feeling stressed and lacking energy due to delays.

Continental describe it as an ‘honour’ that its winter tyres have been awarded Best Buy status by consumer champion Which?

The ContiWinterContact TS830 and TS800 tyres made their mark in the Which? winter tyre test which put a wide range of tyre brands across six of the most popular sizes on the market through their paces.

Fitted to popular models such as the VW Golf, Renault Laguna and Vauxhall Zafira, the ContiWinterContact TS830 in size 205/55 R16 was praised across a range of areas, beating its competitors with an overall rating of 72%. Its grip on ice and performance in dry conditions was also praised.

Which? Car commented: “The ContiWinterContact TS830 offers first-rate grip on snow and is class leader for grip and handling in wet conditions too.”

The consumer title also recognised the ContiWinterContact TS800 in size 175/65 R14T. Commonly fitted to popular superminis such as the Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, Which? Car awarded a test score of 75%. The TS800 was praised for its performance in conventional wet and dry conditions, as well as its wear rate.

Which? Car added: “This Continental is a class-leading tyre, with its grip on snow second to none, it is also the most fuel efficient tyre in the batch.”

Peter Robb, brand manager at Continental, said; “Although widely fitted across Europe, there is a huge lack of awareness in the UK about winter tyres. These latest accolades are testimony to the overall high performance and safety of both the TS830 and TS800.

“It’s a real honour to be recognised in these independent tests by a leading consumer magazine.”

Which? also directed motorists to etyres when they need to buy new tyres.

Denna Bowman, Head Office

By Denna Bowman

Commuters will waste more than a year of their lives stuck in traffic jams, according to a new study by a leading tyres manufacturer.

Continental Tyres claims that the 18 million workers who commute by car will spend 58 working weeks sitting in traffic on their daily journey - which adds up to more than 100 million lost working days every year.

The study of 2,000 motorists concluded that the average daily commute covered 28 miles and took 41 minutes, with 12 minutes lost every day in jams and delays.

Tim Bailey, head of safety at Continental Tyres, said: “People are clearly concerned about congestion and rising fuel costs, but using the car remains the preferred option for most.

“With 63 per cent of workers using their car on at least four of five days in the working week, planners and government need to recognise that the morning and evening rush-hour is going to be a feature of life in Britain for some time to come.

“For individuals it means frustration but for the economy as a whole it means lost productivity and increased emissions, so it remains a key issue to tackle.”

By Denna Bowman

Rising demand for greener and safer tyres is helping to increase revenue to a higher level than expected, according to a Bloomberg report.

Europe’s second-biggest car-parts maker announced that revenue in the fourth quarter will be slightly higher than in the third as the company’s tyres and electronics businesses grew faster than competitors.

Customer demand shows that the fourth quarter is developing very well, said Antje Lewe, a spokeswoman for the Hanover, Germany-based company, confirming a report in yesterday’s Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

It is reported that Lewe revealed in a telephone interview that: “The environmental requirements for tyres and the higher safety requirements is something from which we as a supplier are profiting.

“Demand from our customers particularly in the tyre business and the electronics business has grown strongly.”

Continental has predicted full-year revenue of €29.5 billion or more. It will publish full fourth-quarter figures alongside its annual results on 1st March 2012.

By Denna Bowman

Which? has published the results of its winter tyres test after putting six tyres in two of the most popular sizes through their paces.

In size 175/65 R14T the Continental WinterContact TS800 came out tops with the comment: “A really good all rounder with no major weaknesses. It’s the class leader on snow, good in wet and dry conditions and offers the best fuel economy of all the winter tyres in this batch.”

The only downside was: “It is slightly weaker than others for cornering on ice.”

The other Best Buys were the Michelin Alpin A4 and the Dunlop SP Winter Response.

In the 205/55 R16H category the Continental WinterContact TS830 took poll position again and was praised for: “Sound performance in the wet and in snow puts this tyre at the top of the ratings table. It also has a long predicted life, beating most rivals in the wear stakes.”

On the downside Which? added: “It’s not quite so impressive on ice, although it is still a match for any competitor in this batch.”

The two other Best Buys were the Goodyear UltraGrip 7+ and the Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3.

Read the full report in the January 2012 issue or go to www.which.co.uk.

By Denna Bowman

Tyre manufacturers are still in the dark about how the forthcoming European Union (EU) tyre labelling regulation will be policed, according to a report in Fleet News.

The regulation requires all tyres on sale from November 2012 to display a label showing ratings for fuel efficiency, wet grip and external noise.

Tyre manufacturers will be conducting the tests that determine the rating. The label test methods were confirmed at the end of November but manufacturers are still waiting to find out how the tests will be policed.

David Smith, Continental’s UK managing director, said: “We are waiting for the UK Government to decide who the enforcement agency will be.

“We need to know how, or who, is going to enforce this with it being self-certification.

“I don’t believe anyone will play with the label but the opportunity is there.”

Continental also confirmed the EU plans to revise the label in 2016. One of the considerations will be whether a specialist label is needed for winter tyres.

By Denna Bowman

British Gas has fitted Continental winter tyres on its fleet after a successful trial on its car-derived vans.

Following the extreme weather conditions experienced in 2009, the UK’s leading utilities provider took the decision to fit 120 of its Volkswagen Caddy vans with winter tyres to ensure its vehicles stayed on-call and on the road last winter.

Colin Marriott, General Manager, Fleet, at British Gas, said: “The safety of our drivers and engineers is a top priority at British Gas, as is maintaining our high standards of customer service.

“We wanted to make driving in cold weather as safe as possible and if we can negotiate the icy roads then we can get to site and fulfil customer needs when they need us most.

“We have received very positive feedback from our drivers regarding the performance of the Continental winter tyres, especially in the snow. Our engineers have commented that they were able to complete a normal full day’s work even in the most adverse conditions.”

The trial took place in and around British Gas’ operational area of the Scottish Highlands and Peak District. The front-wheel-drive vans in the Highlands were fitted with winter tyres all-year round, while those in the north of England ran Continental’s winter tyres only during the colder months.

Marriott added: “When snow blanketed the UK in January the Continental winter tyres really proved their worth and in some cases the front-wheel-drive Caddy vans outperformed 4×4 vehicles fitted with standard tyres.

“In future British Gas vans all over the north of England and Scotland will be fitted with winter tyres all year round. We’ve had a long and successful relationship with Continental, lasting over a decade now, and we get great performance from this premium brand at very reasonable whole life cost.”

Tom Whittaker, car and van fleet manager at Continental said: “It’s important that all fleets begin to plan for the winter season now by putting in their orders for winter tyres leaving it until the first snow fall will probably be too late.

“We are forecasting a significant increase in the take-up of winter tyres for the forthcoming cold season. More and more businesses are looking at solutions to stay operational and safe on the roads during extreme weather conditions.

“Continental’s range of premium winter tyres provides the ideal solution on cold roads thanks to a special cold weather compound, deep sipes and large tread depth, which provides maximum traction in snow, ice and on wet roads.”

By Denna Bowman

Continental is strengthening its commitment to the world of football sponsorship by announcing it has become an exclusive partner and Official Sponsor for EUFA EURO 2012 and 2016.

The partnership allows Europe’s market leader in passenger tyres to boost brand awareness through one of the world’s key sporting events.

Nikolai Setzer, Executive Board member for the Tire division, said: “After the great experience with UEFA EURO 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, we intend to bolster our top market position in Europe by means of these two exclusive sponsoring agreements.

“Our goals remain unchanged: to increase international brand awareness of the premium Continental brand; to further intensify the emotive element in and distinctiveness of our brand image with respect to safety and braking performance; and to boost sales of premium Continental brand tyres over the long run.

“The image attributes – passion, precision and the kind of team spirit expressed so well especially during the world’s best football tournaments – match up perfectly with our premium brand and to the Continental company as a whole.”