FRANKFURT, Jan 14 (Reuters) - German tyre and car parts maker Continental AG said late on Tuesday it had probably made over 800 million euros ($1.02 billion) operating profit in 2003, beating a target that it raised twice last year.
"There's a chance that there will be an eight at the front," Chief Executive Manfred Wennemer told reporters, referring to earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA). His comments were embargoed to Wednesday.
Wennemer also said he expected Continental, which posted a 694 million euro operating profit in 2002, to lift earnings again in 2004.