Continental Tire the Americas LLC engineers showcased the latest ways to drive performance for commercial trucks at the recent Great American Truck Show (GATS) in Dallas TX.
Appearing again at the Continental Solutions Pavilion was the Untamed Innovation Tour, the 83-foot mobile exhibit of Continental tires, technologies, and systems for lowering the overall driving costs of commercial trucking operations.
Included in the pavilion was an explanation of ContiLifeCycle—integrating the complete suite of Continental truck tires with seamless transitions to retread products; and Continental emergency road service programs including the new TrukFix for OOIDA members. The ContiPressureCheck tire pressure monitoring system was demonstrated, as was the Continental Commercial Vehicles and Aftermarket Division’s new VDO RoadLog electronic on-board recorder. VDO RoadLog is designed to allow drivers, fleets, and owner-operators to record and report Hours of Service (HOS) and other key compliance data quickly—without monthly fees.
Continental’s latest tire products that “drive” fuel economy and excellent performance were previewed, starting with a first look at the ContiEcoPlus HD3, a third-generation long-haul highway drive tire product engineered for operating conditions of more than 120,000 miles per year. The ContiEcoPlus HD3 was named to highlight its improved rolling resistance and Eco Plus technology. Continental’s advanced ContiGOODSCasing features are also included for maximum retreadability, including a premium belt package, flatter contour, and a more supportive bead package. The ContiEcoPlus HD3 is available now in size 295/75R22.5, with the remainder of the standard NAFTA sizes available at the end of 2012 and a ContiTread retread in early 2013.
Also at GATS was Continental’s newly launched HDR2 in an 11R22.5 size to replace the HDR1. Remaining sizes will be launched in early 2013. The HDR2 (Heavy Drive Regional) has been engineered to improve mileage by more than 20% over its predecessor. The mileage improvement is attained through tread optimization, leading to 16% more overall tread volume. The HDR2 features a high number of lateral sipes extending all the way through the shoulders to maintain superior traction levels. A large number of circumferential grooves allows for evacuation of traction-robbing mud and water, while the tire’s groove geometry reduces stone retention. The HDR2 ContiTread retread product will be available November 2012.
Access www.conti-online.com for complete information.
