Conti, Kerman enter production, marketing agreement

HANOVER, Germany (Oct. 12)—Continental A.G. and Iran´s Kerman Tire & Rubber Co. have created a partnership whereby Kerman will produce Continental-brand radial passenger and truck tires for sale throughout the Middle East and central Asia. The deal calls for Continental to supply Kerman with radial tire technology for its plant in Kerman, in southwestern Iran. ``In line with our globalization strategy, this agreement opens a faster path to the Iranian market and surrounding regions where up to now we have not been adequately represented,´´ said Hans-Joachim Nikolin, Conti´s board member responsible for truck tires and international business, in a prepared statement. Conti did not disclose the value of the contract, nor a timetable for its implementation.