CTA Releases “Most Innovative Tyre Line”

North American markets are being introduced to what Continental Tire calls its “most innovative new tyre line to date”, the ProContact with EcoPlus Technology. Conti says the new tyre, which is aimed at the premium all-season segment, was developed to deliver improved fuel economy and treadwear, reduce CO2 emissions and “surpass” its competitors. The tyre maker states the ProContact with EcoPlus Technology delivers these benefits without sacrificing performance, especially wet braking.

“Today’s consumer is very interested in how to save money and be more energy and environmentally friendly,” said Bill Caldwell, vice president of sales and marketing, Continental Tire. “Our objective was to create a tyre that responds to this need without compromising other performances, like wet braking and mileage, that are the typical tradeoffs of other ‘eco’ tyres. Our technical team has managed to overcome these tradeoffs, and the result of their efforts is the new ProContact with EcoPlus Technology.” 
Traditionally, reducing rolling resistance meant sacrificing wet traction and treadwear. According to Continental Tire, this is not the case with the ProContact with EcoPlus Technology, and it says the company’s engineers have been able to deliver wet traction and lowered rolling resistance without compromising either characteristic.

As for EcoPlus Technology, as Conti explains, this consists of two main components: “Tg-F Polymers and Plus Silane. The Tg-F polymers are temperature-activated functional polymers that increase compound bonding, improving the wear and fuel efficiency of the tyre,” the manufacturer elaborates. “The second component of the EcoPlus Technology is called +Silane, an additive that works to enhance the tyre’s grip on slippery roads to reduce stopping distances. These technologies work together to enhance the driving experience for a long tyre life when conditions are normal, plus provide excellent wet braking on slippery roads.”

The ProContact with EcoPlus Technology is available in a T-speed rating with a UTQG rating of 600 AB and in a variety of 15 to 18-inch sizes.