Automotive aftermarket fan and multi-V belts from Continental were rebranded during the second half of 2019 for the South Africa and sub-Saharan African markets, a change that has aligned the company’s local product line-up with global markets.
Production of the belts shifted from the company’s plant in Uitenhage, South Africa, to the company's facility in Sonepat Haryana, India.
The company’s new packaging designs are standardised and intended to reflect the status of the brand and reaffirm its commitment to meeting and exceeding customers' expectations.
The Sonepat plant was established in 1985 and currently measures almost 45 000 m2. The plant is said to feature high-tech research, development and testing facilities, as well as the latest technologies for each stage of the manufacturing process, including an automated carbon feeding system and presses for the curing of its rubber components.
It has achieved global ISO certifications, including the ISO 9001 standard for quality management systems, the IATF 16949 quality certification developed specifically for the automotive sector, as well as ISO 14001 for environmental management. In addition, the plant is OHSAS 18001 certified for occupational health and safety management.
Production at the plant caters for a range of leading vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket companies across the world, including Europe and the US.
The fan belts and multi-V belts are designed according to global standards and the belts are subjected to rigorous dynamic bench tests to assess their durability, including industry standard accelerated three- and four-pulley V-belt life tests.
The products are sold through national automotive spares outlets, larger independent spares retailers and export houses.