Continental launched the fifth-generation Conti Eco tyre line for freight transport, addressing the needs of haulage companies facing rising costs, stricter regulations, and a growing focus on sustainability. The new tyres in the EMEA region are designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and overall operating costs.

Continental achieved a breakthrough by optimising rolling resistance and mileage, previously conflicting goals in tyre development. The Conti Eco HS 5 for steer axles and Conti Eco HD 5 for drive axles utilise a two-layer tread construction and innovative compounds to deliver high mileage, robustness, and lower rolling resistance.

“We are in no doubt that we are offering our customers the right tyre at the right time,” says Ferdinand Hoyos, Head of Continental’s Business Area Replacement Tires EMEA. “Sustainability and cost efficiency have long gone hand in hand at Continental,” explains Hoyos. “And interest in this area is now growing across the market, which lends extra weight to our strategy.” A recent study by Boston Consulting for CLEPA confirms that cost remains the top decision factor, but sustainability is gaining importance.

“Our new tyre builds on its successful predecessors, the Conti EcoPlus Gen3+ for long-distance haulage and the Conti EcoRegional Gen3+ for regional transport,” explains Hinnerk Kaiser, who is responsible for the development of truck and bus tyres at Continental. “The new Conti Eco brings together the best qualities of the Conti EcoPlus and Conti EcoRegional and elevates them to a new level.”

Continental is streamlining its product portfolio by consolidating tyre lines with the new Conti Eco. Optimised rolling resistance and higher mileage allow for a “mileage-neutral” approach to reducing rolling resistance across all tyre components, including the casing construction, treads, and overall contour design.

Technical improvements in the Conti Eco HS 5 and HD 5 deliver clear benefits. A thicker under-tread in the steer axle version reduces rolling resistance, enabling mileage-focused compounds. The drive axle version features an optimised shoulder design for even wear, further improving mileage. New casing components and bead geometry further contribute to the overall performance.

The combined effect is a significant reduction in rolling resistance (up to 12 percent) and an increase in mileage (up to 10 percent) compared to previous models. This translates to environmental and economic benefits for fleet operators, particularly those facing EU emissions-based tolls. Switching a 100-vehicle fleet (80,000 km annual mileage) from the EcoRegional HS 3+/HD 3+ to the Conti Eco HS 5/HD 5 could save up to €69,000 and reduce CO2 emissions by 120 metric tonnes per year.

“In the past, if a tyre ran particularly smoothly and therefore needed less drive energy, that might come at the expense of robustness and durability,” points out Kaiser.

 Beyond fuel efficiency, the Conti Eco tyres offer excellent grip and handling in various weather conditions and outstanding traction throughout their lifespan. Additionally, they can be factory-equipped with the latest-generation sensors to facilitate fleet digitalization and real-time monitoring via the ContiConnect 2.0 tyre management solution. This, combined with Continental’s retreading solutions (up to 70 percent recycled materials, 40 percent cost savings), further reduces operating costs.

“If our product increases the fuel efficiency of a truck and lasts longer, the result is lower CO2 emissions,” says Kaiser.

The new Conti Eco tyres will be available in numerous sizes, starting with the following:

315/70 R 22.5 Conti Eco HS 5

315/80 R 22.5 Conti Eco HS 5

385/55 R 22.5 Conti Eco HS 5

385/65 R 22.5 Conti Eco HS 5

315/70 R 22.5 Conti Eco HD 5

315/80 R 22.5 Conti Eco HD 5

Chinese automaker Zeekr has selected Continental's PremiumContact 6 tyres as original equipment (OE) for its Zeekr 001 electric sedan. The sedan will be fitted with 265/40 R22 106V XL FR size tyre, specially designed for dynamic and responsive handling while providing safety and comfort.

The tyres refined design guarantees control and strong cornering stability at higher speeds, while its superior grip performance guarantees efficient power transmission to the road. The tread's shape enables both precision steering and a fast reaction. Excellent safety and braking performance on both wet and dry roads are guaranteed by the unique silica rubber compound, which is made for safe driving in all weather situations. Additionally, the reduced rolling resistance contributes to longer battery life of the vehicle. Even on damp roads, the tyre provides excellent safety qualities, accurate handling and short stopping distances.

Continental's PremiumContact 6 tyre has been selected as original equipment (OE) by US car manufacturer Cadillac for its LYRIQ-V. The electric SUV will be factory-fitted with the premium tyre in size 22 inches.

At higher speeds, the PremiumContact 6's refined design offers control and strong cornering stability, and its superior grip performance guarantees that power is delivered to the road efficiently. Fast reaction and accurate steering are made possible by the circumferential groove design. The tyre's unique silica rubber formula ensures superior braking on both wet and dry roads, making it designed for safe driving in all weather situations. Furthermore, the reduced rolling resistance contributes to the vehicle’s longer battery life. The tyre also provides precise handling, low stopping distances and exceptional wet-weather qualities.

The main goals of Continental's tyre development are low rolling resistance, minimal rolling noise and high mileage. The tyre is safe, comfortable and made for dynamic, responsive driving. These characteristics are especially advantageous for electric vehicles like the LYRIQ-V. The tyres are made to handle the added weight of electric vehicles brought on by the battery because of their higher load index.

Global leading tyre company Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) and renowned German luxury mobility brand BRABUS have unveiled a new brand film titled ‘Electrified, Hankook iON & BRABUS’. The video emphasises the two businesses' mutual love of cutting-edge technology and creative design principles for future transportation.

With this alliance, Hankook Tire and BRABUS are further solidifying their premium brand status. The two businesses are spearheading the electrification revolution in mobility with Hankook's world-first complete range of electric vehicle tyres, ‘iON’, and BRABUS's proficiency in customising high-performance electric vehicles. The iON evo SUV tyre consistently supports the fast, dynamic manoeuvrability of BRABUS cars by providing outstanding grip and accurate handling on both wet and dry track surfaces. Even in the busiest driving situations, it flawlessly muffles all road noise, greatly boosting the immersive feeling portrayed in the movie.

In the video, a BRABUS-customised Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 with Hankook Tire's iON evo SUV tyres exhibits exceptional driving capabilities on Germany's renowned Circuit Meppen circuit. Last year, in anticipation of its role as an Official BRABUS Technology Partner, Hankook Tire released a 10-second teaser video that garnered a lot of international attention before the full-length release. Hankook Tire's official worldwide YouTube and Instagram accounts now feature the whole brand film.

Nexen Tire has continuously increased its supply of original equipment (OE) tyres to international automakers over the years, and their most recent collaboration with luxury automaker BMW Group emphasises the company's rising industry awareness.

Thanks to a number of crucial design elements, N'Fera Sport tyres offer exceptional dry, wet and handling performance. N'Fera Sport has a block design for superior dry and wet handle performance at high speed and a larger longitudinal groove for better drainage performance in wet circumstances. Furthermore, the tyre uses the most recent tread composition to improve braking and grip, while sidewall reinforcements increase stability at high speeds, providing exceptional handling and stability when turning. Most notably, the tyre has an AI-optimised engineering technology-based optimal design that increases fuel efficiency and reduces road noise. The Nexen Tire Europe factory ensures exceptional quality and performance by producing these high-performance tyres with cutting-edge automation and competitive quality.

As of 2024, Nexen Tire distributes OE tyres to 118 models of international automakers, having begun delivering OE tyres to luxury manufacturers in 2016. This accomplishment is the result of Nexen Tire's ongoing R&D expenditures to create high-quality goods that highlight its state-of-the-art technology. By utilising virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the business also spearheads tyre development and intends to deepen its alliances with international automakers.

Travis Kang, Global CEO of Nexen Tire, said, “To supply original equipment tyres, tyre manufacturers must meet the high standards of safety and performance required by automakers. We will continue to expand our supply to premium brands, demonstrating our exceptional quality and technological prowess.”