Continental van range a European OE hit

Continental’s van tyre range boasts the distinction of being fitted to one third of European manufactured vans as original equipment, and its three tyre models cover a range of driver applications in the light commercial sector, meeting passenger comfort and safety specifications. The range comprises the VanEco, designed to provide better economy through reduced rolling resistence; the Vanco 2, for improved longevity; the VancoWinter 2 for improved cold weather running; and the VancoContact 2, which strives for improved comfort through a passenger car-style tread pattern and construction.

The VanEco was specially developed for vans like the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Volkswagen T5. It delivers around 30 per cent less rolling resistance, according to Conti, yielding a possible saving of four per cent in fuel and emissions, calculates the manufacturer. The tyre is produced for 15”, 16” and 17” wheel rims and is rated for speeds up to 130mph.

The Vanco 2 took over from the previous successful Vanco tyre, offering increased mileage as well as handling performance that Conti says equals that of a passenger car tyre. The tyre also has a model designed to improve cold weather performance, a useful characteristic for the growing interest in winter tyres in the UK. In colder weather, Conti says the VancoWinter 2 range offers up to 30 per cent more mileage than a conventional van tyre as well as the added safety benefits of a cold weather tyre.

Finally the VancoContact 2 is well suited for light vans and multipurpose vehicles, with its tread pattern and construction similar to those of a passenger car tyre. The tyre is designed to offer the better durability and safety expected from a van tyre with the comfort levels of a car tyre. It has a stiff shoulder design to improve handling and cornering stability, while the wide circumferential grooves and sipes provide fast water displacement and better grip in the wet for shorter braking distances.