Superdrive Tyre to Launch at IAA Show

September’s IAA International Commercial Vehicle Show 2006 will feature the official launch of Continental Truck Tyres’ fuel and weight-saving HDL1 Superdrive drive-axle tyre. In the UK Conti, along with other tyre makers, is planning to lobby legislators to get wide single tyres like Superdrive made legal for 44 tonne GVW roadtrains on British roads.

Superdrive E is designed for the MidiLiner concept; this is a growing market segment, and Continental is actively working to develop new products that satisfy its special tyre requirements. Another concept that Continental has embraced is MegaLiner, for which HTL1 trailer tyre fitments will also be showcased on the stand.

In comparison to the conventional fitment of twin 315/70 R 22.5 tyres on the drive axle, the HDL1 Superdrive 495/45 R 22.5 offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption, according to feedback from customers. The fuel savings are achieved through a combination of Continental’s pioneering development of the lowest rolling resistance truck tyres available in the market, plus reduced weight and inertial forces. Tyre-related weight savings play a significant part in reducing overall vehicle weight, which in turn allows a useful payload increase.

“We have designed our new HDL1 Superdrive tyre to fit the needs of freight forwarders that are striving to optimise the entire articulated truck,” explained Jill Rodgers, commercial marketing manager. “Changing to Superdrive tyres contributes a weight saving of 100kg.”

Wide single drive tyres such as Conti’s HDL1 Superdrive are not currently approved for use in the UK due to legislative restrictions on axle weights on 6×2 tractors operating at maximum permitted gross train weights.

Conti and other tyre makers (through the British Tyre Manufacturers Association) are about to lobby the Department for Transport to change the legislation. Their case will be based on the weight savings, improved fuel economy, reduced CO2 emissions, increased payload and reduced tyre disposal which would result.

There is a growing interest in wide single drive tyres amongst UK truck operators who, given the popularity of 6×2 tractor units in the UK, would be disadvantaged compared to European competitors if they continued to be disallowed here.

The 61st IAA show takes place 21-28 September in Hanover, Germany. Continental Truck Tyres’ new products for MidiLiner and MegaLiner can be viewed on Stand B11 in Hall 17 of the Messegelände.