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.

Source: rubberworld.com