Conti EcoPlus HD3 - New low-profile tyre with high load capacity for volume transport

• Continental launches new size 315/45 R 22.5 drive axle tyre
• High load capacity of carcass thanks to 0° technology of belt ply
• New tread compound guarantees high mileage with fuel efficiency

More stringent checks to ensure compliance with the permitted overall height of volume transport in continental Europe poses a significant challenge for UK transport companies operating in international haulage, and new vehicle concepts are needed as a result. The Conti EcoPlus HD3 is the German premium tyre manufacturers first drive axle tyre developed exclusively for low-liners. This 315/45 R22.5 tyre is specially designed for the requirements of the volume transport segment and despite its low diameter, is suitable for axle loads of 11.6 tons in twin fitment. This technology makes the new low profile tyre the lowest in its class, enabling the best use to be made of the 3-metre internal load height of the trailer without exceeding the European maximum permitted total height. 

The European maximum legal exterior height of four metres is a continual problem for international fleet operators. The use of conventional truck tyres, such as the 60 series, doesn’t allow the internal load height to be fully utilised without exceeding the maximum permitted overall height. The new Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R22.5 is designed specifically for the drive axle of low-liners. With a diameter of just 852 millimeters, it lowers the fifth-wheel height of the towing vehicle to ensure that the permitted external height is not exceeded. To develop the tyre, Continental worked closely with truck and trailer manufacturers who modified their vehicle concepts accordingly.

The Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R22.5 has a much lower diameter than a comparable 60 series tyre. In twin fitment, this tyre is still suitable for an axle load of 11.6 tons because the belt ply was constructed using 0° technology. To achieve the narrower sidewalls for this low-profile tyre, a special carcass cord was used.

This highly stable but very flexible material enables the casing to easily withstand localised high bending loads despite the lower profile sidewall.

The low tyre diameter also presents a special challenge to the rubber compound for the tread. Due to their lower rolling circumference, low profile tyres naturally have a lower wear volume. The new rubber compound of the Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R22.5 guarantees optimum tread wear with low rolling resistance. 

Like all of Continental's Generation 3 tyres, the Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R22.5 uses a retreadable premium carcass featuring the patented AirKeep® inner liner, which prevents the gradual loss of compressed air. The regroovable tread extends the life of the traction tyre and makes it more economical. The sidewall of the Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R22.5 features both the M+S symbol and the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol (3PMSF), making it a safe choice for snow-covered roads.

In the coming months, the Conti EcoPlus portfolio will be extended with the 355/50 R22.5 Conti EcoPlus HS3. Together with the Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R22.5, this low-profile steer axle tyre is the ideal choice for tractor units and semi-trailers in volume transport. 

The Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R22.5 and the Conti EcoPlus HS3 355/50 R22.5 are welcome additions to the tyre family, designed specifically for long-haul service and regional transport which regularly use motorways.

Image material:
The Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R 22.5 for the drive axle.

The ideal partner for this low-profile drive axle tyre is the new Conti EcoPlus HS3 355/50 R22.5 steer tyre.

Note to editors:

Continental Tyres in the UK and Ireland is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Continental Corporation. With sales of around €33.3 billion in 2013, Continental is one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers. As a provider of tyres, brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs around 182,000 people in 49 countries.

As one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, with more than 42,000 employees, the Tyre division achieved sales of €9.7 billion in 2012. Today, the division has 22 production and development locations worldwide. The broad product range and continuous investments in R&D make a major contribution to cost-effective and ecologically efficient mobility.

The Commercial Vehicle Tyre business is one of the largest manufacturers of truck, bus and commercial specialty tyres worldwide.

Continental’s Tyre Division is an Official Sponsor of the German DFB Cup, and the UEFA EURO 2016TM in France.

For further information please contact:

Belle Moss, torque                
+ 44 (0) 20 7952 1070
bmoss@torqueagencygroup.com

or

Caroline Holmes, torque
+ 44 (0) 20 7952 1070       
cholmes@torqueagencygroup.com