The tire industry, which appears to be male-dominated, is breaking the mold with the practices of innovative companies. Premium tire manufacturer and technology company Continental carries out important studies to increase the effectiveness of women in the tire industry and to enable them to advance in their careers. Continental, which is also a pioneer in the sector by increasing the total female employment to approximately 30 percent, aims to increase the rate of women in middle and senior management staff to 2025 percent by 25. Catarina I. Matos Silva, Product Management Manager of Continental, who started her career in the tire industry at Continental 15 years ago, invites women who are curious and like to challenge difficulties to pursue a career in the tire industry.
Continental, which has implemented various projects and programs to support the career development of women in the tire industry, is a pioneer in the tire industry with these practices and empowers women who want to make a career in the industry. The company, which aims to increase the rate of women in the upper and middle management levels to 2025 percent worldwide by 25, is constantly increasing the number of female employees, which exceeds 2020 percent by 27. Catarina I. Matos Silva, Continental Product Management Manager, points out that the tire industry, which seems to be male-dominated, is full of opportunities for women who are curious and like to challenge challenges.
“Sustainability is not a temporary concept for Continental”
Silva, who is also the leader of the team that developed the CrossContact Extreme E tire used in the Extreme E racing series, of which Continental is a founding partner and one of the Premium sponsors, states that he is happy to work with an international team that is passionate about its job. Talking about Continental's approach to sustainability, Silva said, “My team and I are responsible for product development. We are drawing up the roadmap necessary to achieve Continental's very clear and ambitious goals for sustainability. Sustainability is not an empty word or a fleeting concept, it is an extremely important issue for Continental. Together with the R&D and Materials Development Departments, we are constantly trying to improve our recycling solutions by identifying new approaches and possibilities.”
Gone are the days when dads bought tires for the family car
Stating that he started his career in the tire industry at Continental 15 years ago, Silva said, “I did not hesitate for a second about this industry. I feel really privileged at Continental. At Continental we believe that diversity and versatility will always help us improve. Today, the customer portfolio has diversified, the days when only fathers bought tires for the family car are over. This sector is actually a unique sector for women who are curious and love to challenge difficulties” and shared her views.
'Half of the drivers in Extreme E races are women'
Racing driver Jutta Kleinschmidt, who was the first and only woman to win the challenging Dakar Rally 20 years ago, joined the Continental Extreme E racing series in 2021. Saying that he is very happy that half of the drivers in the Extreme E racing series are women, Kleinschmidt continues: “Motor sports is a field with many champions and there are many women who have already achieved great things in this field. Now, thanks to racing series like Extreme E, they are even more focused and have worldwide recognition, especially for helping young women develop their careers. I've been interested in electric cars for the last ten years because I think it's very important for the industry to move towards eco-friendly technologies. That was one of the main reasons I wanted to be involved in Extreme E races“.
Saying that success is possible with a good team, no matter what you do, Kleinschmidt said, “Let's take tires for example. They are the only surface that connects you to the ground. “You can have a great car, but if you don't have the right tires, you won't get anything.”
Be the first to comment