New Tyre Concept for Semitrailer Tractors in Volume Transport

• Low-profile tyres allow optimisation of European legally permitted overall height
• 355/50 and 315/45 R 22.5 steer and drive axle tyres support Integrated Lowliner concept
• High load capacity tyres provide long service life and optimum fuel efficiency

London, May 7, 2015. Following the market launch of the new 315/45 R 22.5 drive axle tyre Conti EcoPlus HD3 at the start of the year, Continental has now completed its tyre offering for Lowliners with the new 355/50 R 22.5 steer axle tyre Conti EcoPlus HS3. Together these two low-profile tyres present a new concept for towing vehicles. They enable fleet operators to make optimum use of the maximum three-metre internal load height of their trailers without exceeding the maximum overall height of four metres permitted by law in most European countries.

In addition to their high load capacity, these two tyres from the Conti EcoPlus family are specially designed for long-distance use and regional transportation with frequent use of motorway and offer maximum service life with high fuel efficiency.

With their low diameters, these two low-profile tyres effectively reduce the fifth-wheel height of the towing vehicle to ensure that the permitted external height is not exceeded, even when the internal load height is fully utilised. With a diameter of 934 mm, the steer axle tyre Conti EcoPlus HS3 355/50 R 22.5 offers a load-carrying capacity of eight tonnes. The drive-axle tyre Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R 22.5, with a diameter of just 852 mm, has an axle load of 11.6 tonnes in twin fitment. Using the "0° technology" during the construction of the belt allows for high load capacity in the Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R 22.5 and a special carcass cord supports the narrower drive axle tyre sidewalls. This highly stable but very flexible material enables the carcass to easily withstand localised high bending loads.

A rubber compound optimised for rolling resistance was developed for the new steer axle tyre. A special feature of the tread is its two-layer construction ("cap base concept"). The tread cap, with its own rubber compound, ensures optimal contact with the road surface for long service life. The special rubber compound of the tread base – the section of the tread which doesn’t make contact with the road – reduces the heat generated in the crown providing maximum reduction in rolling resistance.

The newly developed tread design of the tyre improves grip in the wet; a result in part of the tightly interlocking micro-sipes between the longitudinal tread grooves. In addition, the "Plus Volume Pattern" of the Conti EcoPlus HS3 355/50 R 22.5 adds extra material to the tread, reducing the width of the longitudinal tread grooves. In turn the low void area of tread in contact with the road increases, simultaneously improving wear resistance.

Like all of Continental's Generation 3 tyres, the Conti EcoPlus HS3 355/50 R 22.5 and the Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R 22.5 use a retreadable premium carcass featuring the patented AirKeep®inner liner to prevent gradual loss of inflation pressure.

Regrooving and retreading give tyres a longer service life with a lower rolling resistance—directly impacting the cost-effectiveness of the fleet. Regrooving indicators are integrated into the tread of both tyres to mark the possible regrooving depth.

Image material: The new Conti EcoPlus HS3 355/50 R 22.5 steer axle tyre complements the Conti EcoPlus HD3 315/45 R 22.5 drive axle tyre, which together are ideally matched for use on semitrailer tractors in volume transport.

Notes to editors

Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international tyre manufacturer, automotive supplier and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated preliminary sales of approximately €34.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tyres, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs approximately 200,000 people in 53 countries.

Continental Commercial Vehicle Tyres is one of the largest manufacturers of truck, bus and commercial specialty tyres worldwide. The business unit is continuously developing from a pure tyre manufacturer to a solution provider, offering a broad range of products, services and tyre-related solutions.

For further information please contact:

Caroline Holmes or Belle Moss, Torque 

+ 44 (0) 20 7952 1070

cholmes@torqueagencygroup.com or bmoss@torqueagencygroup.com