Continental Launches Wide-base Trailer Tyre

Continental Truck Tyres Europe has announced the launch of its wide-base tyre for the growing Megatrailer market. Designated 445/45 R 19.5 HTL1, the new tyre offers fleet operators the benefits of fuel-saving, higher mileage and maximising load-carrying volume. According to the company, fleet users will gain fuel savings of five per cent, higher tyre mileage and maximised load volume.

Growth in Megatrailer usage is predicted to be 10 per cent per annum between 2006 and 2010, with a corresponding increase in the demand for specialist trailer tyres. The smaller diameter of the 445/45 tyre compared with other trailer tyres such as the 435/50 R 19.5 fitment offers a height saving of 30mm. This means the trailer deck height can be lowered in increase total load volume while remaining within the four metre vehicle height limit set in most European countries. It also allows trailer manufacturers to optimise their chassis designs.

In addition to higher tyre mileage, the new 445/45 R 19.5 HTL1 is said to feature low rolling resistance. According to research and development carried out in-house, Continental truck tyres set the benchmark for rolling resistance – that means savings of five per cent in fuel consumption in the market over comparable trailer tyres.

“In order to operate efficiently, fleet users must use every opportunity to reduce costs,” said Jill Rodgers, commercial marketing manager Continental UK. “Choosing a tyre with optimised rolling resistance reduces fuel usage and provides a continued saving over every kilometre driven.”

The 445/45 R 19.5 HTL1, which has a load carrying capacity of nine tonnes, complements the Continental 385/55 R 19.5 HTL1 (load carrying capacity of eight tonnes) and the 385/55 R 22.5 for MidiLiner tyres.