Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA) is proud to announce that Martin Buday has officially taken over the reins as managing director, bringing with him, almost two decades of experience in the tyre industry with Continental in various roles in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Martin Buday has stepped into the position of Managing Director, replacing Shaun Uys who took up a new assignment with Continental Tire in the United States. Previously, Buday served as General Market Manager and MD for the Czech and Slovak markets.

Now on South African soil, Buday is ready to lead the South African operation, which includes Continental’s only tyre manufacturing facility on the African continent, producing world-class tyres for domestic sales – supplying the original equipment and replacement sectors – along with exports to the Americas, the Asia Pacific region, as well as Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Despite the products being the same around the world, this is a new market for me.

– MARTIN BUDAY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, CONTINENTAL TYRE SOUTH AFRICA

As the only tyre company that supplies seven of the major vehicle manufacturers in South Africa, Continental Tyre SA plays an important role in the local automotive industry.

“Last year was very difficult for all of us, but I am looking forward to this exciting new opportunity to be a part of the Continental team in South Africa,” Buday says.

“For 2021, one of the key objectives for the management team is for CTSA to get onto a growth path again and improve our financial results.

“We need to reignite our winning mindset, motivation, energy and focus on achieving our short and medium-term goals, and at the same time show a high level of flexibility and agility to be able to adapt to the changing market environment. The implementation of Continental’s Vision 2030 strategic program for the tyre business will ensure that we have a solid foundation on which to build,” he adds.

Buday has spent his entire working career in the tyre industry. His association with Continental started in 2007 when the tyre manufacturing giant took over Matador, one of the last independent tyre producers in Europe. Buday had been employed by Matador since his graduation in 2002, having held several positions in marketing and sales over the years.

Buday’s decision to join the South African entity was made in February 2020, mere weeks before the pandemic effectively brought the world to a standstill.

“I’m very happy to finally be in South Africa, and I want to use this opportunity to thank to my colleagues from the executive management team for steering the organisation.”

Buday states. “Despite the products being the same around the world, this is a new market for me, and I have to admit that still I need to gain a better understanding of the market environment.

However, it’s already clear that the South African team is committed and has established a strong presence in the original equipment market and the replacement market.

“Now we need to focus on the long-term sustainability of our business and operations in South Africa, capitalising on our strengths, improving where and how we can, and exploiting all growth opportunities. We need to ensure that we make full use of the opportunities provided by Continental’s Vision 2030 strategy.”

Vision 2030 is focused on the systematic customer-centric alignment of the Continental Tires business area and related activities. In addition, the Tires business area is targeting further profitable growth and, in a fast-changing market environment, aiming to set itself apart from the competition in respect of sustainability, and through digital solutions.