Continental has launched dimensions of the AllSeasonContact tyre with a rolling resistance class A rating – the best possible rating for the EU tyre label. Four out of the five tyre sizes bear an XL identifier, so they can carry heavier loads. This combination makes the tyre the ideal retrofit option for electric vehicles, as it can carry the higher average weight and extend the range of e-cars, the company claimed in a press release. 

Continental will initially present the AllSeasonContact tyre with rolling resistance class A in five sizes that can be used to retrofit electric vehicles such as the Hyundai Kona Electro, Kia e-Niro, Peugeot e-2008 and Opel Mokka-e for year-round use.  

For this version of the AllSeasonContact, the developers were able to reduce the amount of material and further optimise the rolling resistance of the rubber compound, the release said, adding that these measures reduce tyre deformation in the contact patch. As a result, the AllSeasonContact loses less energy to the road – the main cause of rolling resistance.

Andreas Schlenke, Tyre Developer at Continental, said, “We’re convinced that there is no one-tyre-fits-all solution for all-electric vehicles. Instead, we have been working for over a decade on developing our existing portfolio so that it meets the requirements of all electric vehicles and at the same time can sustainably reduce emissions from combustion vehicles as well. We’re proud to be one of the first tyre manufacturers to successfully optimise the rolling resistance of an all-season tyre significantly without any loss of safety.”  

Low rolling resistance also has positive effects for combustion vehicles, the release said. It reduces CO2 emissions and consumption, which cuts fuel costs. At the same time, fleet operators can save on expenses for tyre replacement and storage by using all-season tyres. 

Continental’s first three sizes also cover popular fleet vehicles. For example, the AllSeasonContact with particularly low rolling resistance is now also available in sizes for the VW Passat (Elegance, GTE) and the Skoda Superb (STYLE, Premium Edition).

Continental said it has already received approvals for the AllSeasonContact with rolling resistance A for the VW Transporter and Caddy as well as Jeep Compass. For all models, the tyre can also be retrofitted via dealers. 

The AllSeasonContact combines elements of Continental’s Premium summer and winter tyres. In the all-season tyre test conducted by AutoBild (on 24 September, 2020), the tyre was rated “exemplary” for its all-round capabilities and good price-performance ratio. Overall, the all-season tyre is available in 142 versions, with widths between 155 and 275 millimeters, cross sections between 70 and 35 percent, and rims with diameters of 14 to 20 inches. (TT)  

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Maxxis has unveiled the next iteration of its MaxxTerra rubber compound, engineered to substantially enhance both durability and traction for mountain bike tyres. The updated formulation maintains the low rolling resistance that characterises the brand’s performance range, addressing rider demands for extended tyre life without compromising capability on difficult trails.

Following extensive laboratory development and testing, Maxxis engineers achieved measurable improvements over the original compound. The new version exhibits a minimum 30 percent increase in tread wear resistance and a 15 percent gain in grip, all while preserving rolling efficiency. This advancement translates to prolonged riding sessions and reduced frequency of tyre changes for end users.

The enhanced compound will be progressively integrated across the entire trail tyre lineup, with the initial phase currently available. Consumers can distinguish the updated product through packaging marked with a ‘New MaxxTerra’ graphic, while the tyre’s sidewall badge now simply displays ‘MaxxTerra’, replacing the previous ‘3C MaxxTerra’ designation.

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The Goodyear Blimp is set to reclaim the New York City skyline during the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. On 4th July, the iconic aircraft will provide millions of Americans with a unique aerial perspective of Sail 4th 250, a premier maritime event that boasts the largest assembly of tall ships globally. The aerial broadcast is scheduled to commence at 7 AM Eastern Standard Time on NBC’s TODAY Show.

Wingfoot One, a seasoned veteran of the skies with a long history of appearing at significant national events, will be soaring over the metropolis. In a notable operational shift, the blimp will establish its ground presence in Brooklyn for the first time in half a century, marking a historic return not just to the city’s airspace but also to its soil. This strategic move is designed to capture the best possible views of the activities in New York Harbor.

This appearance marks the blimp’s fourth participation in an Operation Sail event, having previously been a staple at the inaugural 1964 celebration, the Bicentennial in 1976 and the Statue of Liberty’s centennial in 1986. Its return for America’s 250th anniversary serves as a natural role for the aerial ambassador of Goodyear, a company that has been rooted in the United States for over 125 years and remains the nation’s sole major tyre manufacturer.

Julianne Roberts, Senior Director, Marketing, said, "For more than half the history of the United States, Goodyear science has contributed not only to the success of the American automotive industry by producing tyres worth bragging about but also to the protection of the country through military service, including blimps that helped ensure the safety of the Navy.”

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MICHELIN Connected Fleet has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant directly within its MyConnectedFleet web platform, designed to enhance operational efficiency for fleet managers. The new tool delivers immediate, data-driven responses to user queries, significantly reducing the time traditionally spent on manual research and data compilation. By integrating seamlessly into the existing portal, the assistant provides a streamlined approach to managing complex fleet information.

The AI system transforms raw fleet usage data into actionable insights, enabling managers to make quicker, more informed decisions. It supports a wide range of practical requests, from generating reports on driver fuel efficiency and identifying trucks requiring tyre maintenance to checking vehicle availability and calculating monthly fuel costs. The assistant is built as a closed, secure system to ensure the confidentiality of all fleet data, addressing key concerns about information security.

Functioning as a comprehensive partner for managers of heavy goods vehicles, passenger transport and light commercial vehicles, the tool offers real-time analysis of fuel consumption, driver behaviour and journey metrics. It provides immediate answers for both simple safety and cost-related questions and more complex analytical tasks, presenting findings in text or visual formats. Future updates to the solution will be guided by direct customer feedback, ensuring its continuous evolution.

The MICHELIN AI Assistant is currently available to customers across 10 countries, including United Kingdom, United States and several European nations. It leverages over a century of mobility expertise and three decades of data science experience, responding to the belief of most fleet managers that AI will transform their sector. The assistant can also be paired with other technologies, such as onboard cameras and tyre inspection systems, to form a cohesive, practical solution for modern fleet operations.

Sophie Foucque, CEO, MICHELIN Connected Fleet, Europe, Africa and Australia, said, “The AI Assistant is the natural evolution of our DNA, which is built around supporting our customers. Co-developed with some of our largest customers, it offers a more intuitive way to interact with vehicle usage data while removing the need to generate multiple reports. Augmented fleet managers can therefore focus fully on the performance of their operations.”

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Continental Tires Americas has introduced Sensor Ready commercial tyres, designed to streamline digital monitoring for fleets of all sizes. Leveraging over a decade of expertise and more than 121,000 connected wheel positions in the Americas, the company continues expanding its data-driven portfolio. The initial rollout features the Conti Coach HA3 product line, underscoring the manufacturer's commitment to digital-first solutions.

A defining characteristic is the integration of a dedicated sensor pocket directly into the tyre during curing, eliminating aftermarket gluing that previously took up to 14 minutes per installation. The pocket securely holds Continental's proprietary sensor, a key ContiConnect ecosystem component that transmits critical metrics like pressure, temperature and mileage. A clear Sensor Ready logo on the sidewall provides immediate visual confirmation of compatibility for fleets, dealers and retreaders.

The new system significantly reduces installation time and labour requirements at maintenance facilities and retread shops while ensuring consistent, reliable sensor placement. Fleets can choose tyres with sensors pre-installed from the factory or opt for quick, tool-free installation later. The Sensor Ready logo facilitates swift decision-making across the tyre's lifecycle, and the integrated pocket remains intact during retreading, allowing efficient sensor reinstallation without compromising casing performance.

Digital monitoring delivers measurable business impact, including reduced fuel consumption, extended tyre life and fewer roadside incidents. For smaller operations, Continental offers ContiConnect Lite, a mobile application providing a plug-and-play monitoring solution. This advancement reinforces Continental's vision of a connected, intelligent tyre ecosystem that enhances safety, sustainability and cost management.

Renato Sarzano, Head of Truck Tires Americas, Continental, said, “Digital tyre monitoring is becoming essential for improving fleet safety, efficiency and sustainability. With Sensor Ready tyres, we are offering one of the most advanced and user-friendly solutions on the market – reducing installation time, improving reliability and making it easier than ever for fleets to adopt connected tyre technologies.”

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