Conti Launches New Van Tyre

Continental’s replacement to its most successful van tyre, the Vanco, is scheduled for release in March 2007. Called the Vanco 2, the new tyre features changes that Conti claim will benefit consumers, including greater mileage and handling performance equal to that of a passenger car tyre.

With the continuing growth of van sector, Continental’s new offering is of significance to the market. The light commercial vehicle sector has grown 60 per cent in the last ten years and now represents two million new van sales a year across Europe. This is partly due to the significant increase in city distribution traffic, with small distance and small package distribution up 38 per cent compared to 1995.

In response to this increased demand vehicle manufacturers launched 13 new models in the medium and heavy van segments during 2006 alone. Continental reports that almost one in three of these new vans come fitted with Continental van tyres as OE, and therefore it is little surprise that Peter Robb, product manager at Continental, calls the new Vanco 2 “an important update for us.”

Robb states the Vanco 2 offers “20 per cent more mileage compared to the old model, high load resistance for demanding applications, excellent wet braking with outstanding aquaplaning protection to improve safety for all road users.” He adds that “the robust design of the Vanco 2 makes it perfect for both long and short haul journeys and city use.”

Conti reports that the tyre’s stiff shoulder design gives it ‘excellent handling with very good cornering stability.’ Wet weather grip and braking is also enhanced through the presence of wide circumferential grooves and optimised sipes. The German tyremaker has also announced that by the end of this year they will have updated their van cold weather tyre range.