Continental will showcase three tires, specifically for the bus and truck segment, at IAA Transportation 2024. The tires are Conti EfficientPro 5 with improved rolling resistance, the sustainable Conti Urban NXT and the Conti EcoPlus HT3+ – a tire specially designed for trailers with an electric drive axle.
The Conti EfficientPro 5 is an original equipment tire for long-distance applications. The latest version will cut down rolling resistance by 10%compared to its predecessor. The EfficientPro 5 is a steering axle tire and the first long-haul tire in 315/70 size with an axle load rating of 8.5 tons, making it suitable for electric trucks. A special rubber compound with a rigid profile has aided in reducing rolling resistance which also translates to a 5% increase in fuel efficiency. Continental says the tire will be available from the beginning of 2025 in two sizes – 315/70 R 22.5 and 385/55 R 22.5.
Continental states that the Conti Urban NXT is its most sustainable commercial vehicle tire for urban transportation. Designed for city transportation and buses, the tire uses sustainable materials and is energy efficient. The Conti Urban NXT is made of 59% renewable, recycled and ISCC Plus mass balance-certified materials. The tire also has a sustainable raw materials content of 32%. Pre-production version of the Conti Urban NXT will be displayed at IAA Transportation with an initial market debut planned for 2025 in the size – 275/70 R 22.5.
The third tire on display will be the Conti EcoPlus HT3+ – a tire for trailers with electrified drive axles. This tire features an increased load capacity of 500kg per axle to accommodate the extra heft from the battery. Conti states that it offers a good balance between traction and rolling resistance. Based on the prototype from 2022, the tire uses a siping tire tread profile to ensure good performance in all weather conditions. The Conti EcoPlus HT3+ will be available in sizes – 355/50 R 22.5, 385/65 R 22.5 and 385/55 R 22.5 with a launch scheduled for early 2026.
“We are continually making our tire solutions for commercial vehicles more sustainable and efficient both in terms of materials and on the road,” said Holger Lange, head of research and development for truck and bus tires at Continental.
