Press Release
Premiere for new generation of HTL 2 ECO-PLUS
trailer tire: Top economy combined with longdistance performance
Hanover, Germany, May 26, 2010. The introduction of the all-new long-distance trailer tire
HTL 2 ECO-PLUS sees Continental complete its new tire product range for international
long-distance transport that has been successively launched since 2009. Thanks to the use
of a high-tech casing and a tread pattern that is specially configured for long-distance
transport, this trailer tire combines further optimized consumption figures with considerably
extended life. In terms of economy and transport safety, the new Continental tire HTL 2
ECO-PLUS sets new standards on long, pan-European routes.
Optimized economy thanks to reduced fuel consumption and extended life are among the
key factors for successful business in the light of high financial burdens. This is exactly
where the newly developed trailer tire from the all-new second tire generation that was introduced in 2009 comes in. Ideally complementing the HSL 2 steering axle tire and HDL 2 drive
axle tire that have already been successfully launched, the new trailer tire completes the
high-tech package for modern long-distance truck-trailers.
“The tractor unit costs money while you earn money with the trailer” is a motto that is easy to
remember. The savings potential of the new HTL 2 ECO-PLUS can be fully exploited here.
The new trailer tire makes a considerable contribution to optimizing the overall economy of a
truck-trailer due to the rolling resistance influence of six individual wheels on traditional longdistance combinations. The Continental development team has managed to reduce the rolling resistance by up to 15 percent by using a special material compound and an elaborate
tread design. That means significant fuel savings of up to 5 percent compared with conventional trailer tires.
.../2
Your contact person:
Udo Brandes, phone: +49 511 938-2923
-2-
“As little proper motion in the tread as possible and thus ideal rolling resistance,” is how Matthias Haufe, Director Product Development CVT EU/Russia, describes the development goal
in the design of the new long-distance runner on the trailer axle. Extra wide shoulders and a
broad tread between the four straight circumferential grooves compress the tread pattern as
far as possible to the inside of the tire contact surface. The very narrow grooves are supported by pyramid-shaped inner elements that prevent unwanted proper movement in the tread.
The trailer tire thus runs just as lightly as it does quietly. The result of this intelligent tread design is fewer flexing movements in the tread, reduced operating temperatures and a stiffer
tire structure that prevents deformation to a great extent. The stiff backbone of the new trailer
tire also withstands the high side shear forces arising when a rigid trailer axle unit is maneuvered.
Together with the special cape-base material mix, which has been specially configured for
the requirements of trailer usage, the HTL 2 ECO-PLUS rolls with considerably less resistance and is thus better for consumption. At a distance of 150,000 kilometers covered
each year in international long-distance transport, fuel savings amounting to four-figure euro
sums are possible. The purchase costs for the new trailer tires are therefore recouped after a
short period. Due to the tire life being further extended with the help of numerous innovative
design measures, the new Continental tire for trailer axles takes on the role of cost optimizer.
This has been achieved without compromising on safety, ride comfort and noise emissions.
Like the whole product range in the new second generation, the new HTL 2 ECO-PLUS is
also based on an innovative casing structure with four-ply triangular belts, increased air volume and a newly designed steel cord bead. The HTL 2 ECO-PLUS is protected against
gradual loss of pressure by the patented AirKeep® technology.
Together with the HTW 2 trailer winter tire presented in February 2010 as a world first, Continental can offer its customers an ideally configured tire concept for all-year use. By changing from long-distance treads to winter tires in good time, customers obtain the best possible
operating safety with usage-specific tires. Having the right tire for the weather and road conditions allows the maximum mileage to be achieved with continuously low fuel consumption.
Your contact person:
Udo Brandes, phone: +49 511 938-2923
.../3
-2-
The HTL 2 ECO-PLUS trailer tire is available in the size 385/65R22.5. The size 385/55R22.5
will also be available from 2011.
With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers
worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental
contributes enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent
partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately
138,000 in 46 countries.
Continental’s Commercial Vehicle Tires Division is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of premium truck, bus and industrial tires with a workforce of around 8,000 and a turnover of €1.1bn. The division makes a noticeable contribution to reducing costs in goods and passenger transport with tailormade products ranging from fleet services to fuel-saving, environmentally-friendly commercial vehicle
tires. All new tires provide convincing proof of the division’s research and development expertise. The
new products are characterized by low rolling resistance, high mileages and a high level of safety.
Their retreadability extends their life and relieves the burden on your budget. The European brands
are Continental, Uniroyal, Semperit, Barum and Matador. Conti360° is a European fleet service that
guarantees mobility with its extensive, quick-reacting network of service partners.
Contact for journalists:
Udo Brandes
Head of Press and PR I Division Commercial
Vehicle Tires
Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbH
Büttnerstrasse 25
D-30165 Hanover
Phone: +49 511 938-2923
Fax: +49 511 938-2496
E-mail: udo.brandes@conti.de
Online media database: www.continental-truck-tires.com
Your contact person:
Udo Brandes, phone: +49 511 938-2923