Net sales hit $4.35 billion, up from $4.26 billion in 2005’s first quarter, while earnings reached $424.1 million, up nearly 10% from 2005’s $368.2 million.
"We had a very good first quarter, with all divisions achieving significant growth in quantities and sales despite the difficult position of several customers. Thus, in a demanding environment, we have kept our sights firmly on our goal of outperforming the sales and operating result of the first quarter of 2005," said Conti¬nental executive board chairman Manfred Wennemer.
Conti’s passenger and light truck tire group posted sales of $1.31 billion, and its commercial tire group had quarterly sales of $416.6 million, both increases vs. the same period last year.