MATADOR - THE FIRST TYRE MANUFACTURER IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Company Matador - Gummi und Balata Werke was registered in commercial register on September 7, 1905. In March 1906 Matador began producing rubber hoses and belts in its new facilities in Petržalka, district of Bratislava.

The testing production of tyres was launched in 1925 and for 6 coming years the company remained the only producer of tyres in Czechoslovakia.

The company was nationalised in 1945 and the next year it was established as the national enterprise.Sava is one of the largest and most successful tire manufacturers in Central Europe providing a wide range of passenger car, SUV, light truck and truck tires. Sava roots have spread from the small land of Slovenia to embrace Europe as one and even beyond. 

In 2007 the company Continental AG acquired 51% of the MATADOR Rubber Division.

On July 1st 2008 Continental and Matador Group agreed on the transfer of an additional 15% of the shares in Continental Matador Rubber. As of this date the Continental Group owns 66% of the shares in Continental Matador Rubber.But this additional acquisition within a few months shows the commitment of the Continental Group to the investment in the Puchov area.

In 2009 Continental AG Hannover increased their capital share to 100%. New Continental’s distribution-logistic centre was open in that year in Puchov, for Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the new production finalisation hall.

In May 2010 Continental is opening new production hall in Púchov that will enable further increase of capacities for the produciton of passenger and light truck tires

2011 - Project of additional extension of production capacities has been approved by the Continental management. 20 000 m2 of storage area of the new Distribution Centre have been finished (including 18 loading ledges), as well as 7 150 m2 of the new production hall (including production technologies assembly). Raw building of another production hall has been finished, on the area of 7 400 m2.