FRANKFURT -- Continental has temporarily resumed tire production for passenger cars at its Russian plant in Kaluga, it said on Tuesday, to protect local workers who could otherwise face criminal charges.
Continental said the move was aimed at meeting local demand and in line with sanctions imposed on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a "special military operation."
"Our employees and managers in Russia face severe criminal consequences should we refrain from serving local demand," Continental said.
The company said its products were made for civilian use "as a matter of principle."