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Continental Tires


Conti EcoPlus: New High-Tech Tire Generation with Marked Savings

With its new tire range, Conti EcoPlus, the premium German tire manufacturer, Continental, is setting new benchmarks in commercial goods transportation. Maximum optimization of rolling resistance with no compromise on mileage is the highlight of this latest tire range for use in long distance and regional distribution on highways and other expressways. Following the launch of the new trailer tire Conti EcoPlus HT3 in January, the steering-axle tire Conti EcoPlus HS3 and the drive-axle tire Conti EcoPlus HD3 now complete the family.

The Conti EcoPlus tire range is perfectly adapted to provide maximum optimization of rolling resistance for a significant reduction in fuel consumption. With rolling resistance reductions of up to 26 percent compared to the successful previous series, ambitious improvements in fuel efficiency have been achieved thanks to newly adapted polymer rubber compounds for treads and sidewalls, the two layer construction (cap base concept) of the treads, and their special profile design.

The new steering-axle tire, Conti EcoPlus HS3, with its innovatively designed tread proves that it is possible to improve both rolling resistance and wet grip behavior, which in themselves are conflicting aims in tire development. The closed shoulders give the steering-axle tire its necessary stability to suppress fuel-intensive flexing. While tightly interlocking micro-sipes with a new silica compound between the thinner longitudinal grooved tread ensure optimum grip on the wet carriageway. Continental’s engineers have also ensured that the durability of the new tires match the high levels established by the previous generation.

The structural design for increased carrying capacity of the new steering-axle tire, Conti EcoPlus HS3, corresponds to the higher axle loads required by the new Euro 6 engine technology. All Conti EcoPlus steering-axle tires have a Visual Alignment Indicator (VAI) for the early detection of axial misalignment.

The new premium tire finds its perfect partner on the drive axle in the Conti EcoPlus HD3, specially developed for traction use. A broad tread pattern in the sipe design replaces the block tread pattern conventionally found here. The micro-sipes, which extend down into the base of the tread, interlock perfectly with the carriageway. The sipes transfer both the higher power of modern trucks and the increased braking torque of brake retarders to the carriageway without loss of grip. A new rubber compound was also used with the Conti EcoPlus HD3, which substantially contributes to a significant improvement in rolling resistance of up to 16 percent for highway journeys. The new traction tire also makes an important contribution to reducing fuel consumption. A further highlight of the new Conti EcoPlus HD3 is its shoulder tread ribs, which are flattened on the side. The special chamfered edge reduces fuel consumption with its specially optimized rolling characteristics, while at the same time stiffening the sidewall construction. The Conti EcoPlus HD3 is marked with the Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) symbol.

The third member of the modern tire concept is the Conti EcoPlus HT3 trailer tire for an articulated truck or trailer. Strong, closed shoulder belts, optimized rubber compound, and increased Plus Volume Pattern bring significant improvements in terms of rolling resistance and handling characteristics. The pyramid-shaped triangular ribs integrated in the base of the tread groove stabilize the new Conti EcoPlus HT3 against flexing in the tread width. The optimized grip in the newly adjusted tread compound transfers the trailer's cornering forces and high share of the braking torque perfectly to the carriageway.


Following its successful use on a modern truck combination in largely freeway and expressway traffic, the life of a Conti EcoPlus tire is then extended as all 3rd generation Continental tires are based on a retreadable and regroovable premium carcass with reinforced steel cord beads and the patented AirKeep® inner liner against creeping loss of compressed air.

With a clear focus on long-distance use and regional transportation involving frequent highway use, the new Conti EcoPlus tire family aims to match exactly the needs of today's customers – namely fuel consumption savings of up to 1.9 l over 100 kilometers, compared to the previous generation, with high mileage and the renowned reliability of Continental premium tires.

The new Conti EcoPlus tires are available in the following dimensions:
Conti EcoPlus HS3
Tire dimension Load and speed index Fuel efficiency Wet grip Tire noise
355/50 R 22.5 XL 156 K to follow to follow to follow
385/55 R 22.5 160 K (158 L) to follow to follow to follow
295/60 R 22.5 150/147 L to follow to follow to follow
315/60 R 22.5 154/150 L to follow to follow to follow
315/70 R 22.5 XL 156/150 L (154/150 M) B B 69 dB (A)
315/80 R 22.5 156/150 L (154/150 M) B B 69 dB (A)

Conti EcoPlus HD3
Tire dimension Load and speed index Fuel efficiency Wet grip Tire noise
295/55 R 22.5 147/145 K to follow to follow to follow
295/60 R 22.5 150/147 L to follow to follow to follow
315/60 R 22.5 154/150 L to follow to follow to follow
315/70 R 22.5 154/150 L (152/148 M) B B 72 dB (A)
315/80 R 22.5 156/150 L (154/150 M) B B 72 dB (A)

Conti EcoPlus HT3
Tire dimension Load and speed index Fuel efficiency Wet grip Tire noise
385/55 R 19.5 156 J B C 69 dB (A)
385/55 R 22.5 160 K (158 L) A C 69 dB (A)
385/65 R 22.5 160 K (158 L) A C 69 dB (A)


The Conti EcoPlus will not be available for the MeNa region this year and Continental Tires will announce when the product will be available in the region.

With sales of around €33.3 billion in 2013, Continental is one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers. As a provider of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires, 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 178,000 people in 49 countries.

As one of the world’s leading tire manufacturers, with more than 44,000 employees, the Tire division achieved sales of €9.6 billion in 2013. Today, the division has 24 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 Tire business is one of the largest manufacturers of truck, bus and commercial specialty tires worldwide.

TS
20.03.2014
Hanover - Dubai - Cairo


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