Contintental, the German tire and automotive supplier, reportedly resumed limited production in Russia toward the end of last week, according to representatives cited by a German newspaper. The move signals a cautious step back into manufacturing for a company that has faced intense scrutiny over its operations within Russia during a period of geopolitical tension.
According to the report, the current climate remains extremely challenging for multinational firms like Continental that run factories on Russian soil. The company emphasized that employees and managers in Russia could face serious criminal penalties if the business were to refuse local demand, outlining the pressure created by local regulatory and market expectations while navigating sanctions and ongoing political risks.
Production is described as temporarily restarting with a notably modest workload. The company indicated that profits are not the primary goal in this phase; rather, the action serves as a demonstration of its ongoing presence in Russia, including a tire factory in Kaluga. Simultaneously, Continental reaffirmed its stance condemning the Russian military operation in Ukraine and supporting the existing sanctions framework, as reported by the publication.
Beyond manufacturing, Continental maintains sales offices in Moscow and participates in a joint venture near Kazan, in Chistopol, where tachographs for commercial vehicles are assembled. Overall employment in Russia is listed at roughly 1,300 people, with the bulk of roles concentrated at the Kaluga facility. The company continues to weigh its strategic options in a market shaped by sanctions, compliance requirements, and regional demand patterns, while keeping a visible footprint in Russian automotive supply chains.