Continental expands presence in the UHP segment
Continental consistently strengthens its position in the global market for Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tires, which are technologically complex products available in sizes with diameters from 18 inches and designed to provide a high level of safety at high speeds. From 2019 to 2024, the share of UHP tires in the sales of all Continental brands increased from 38 to 52%, and if we talk about the main brand of the concern, this figure was increased from 46 to 60%.
"For us, UHP tires are not just a flagship product, and their development is considered by us as a strategically important driver of innovation," said Edwin Gaudswaard, head of the research and development department at Continental Tire. "Creating tires of this type requires engineering of the highest standard, high-tech materials, and carefully thought-out testing and production processes, and they demonstrate the strength of our position in the premium segment, as well as making a significant contribution to ensuring the financial stability of Continental."
UHP tires must guarantee a high level of traction, precise handling, and short braking distances, as well as reliable behavior at high speeds, and are mainly installed on powerful passenger cars, crossovers, and SUVs, including luxury class vehicles. As noted in Continental, the demand for tires of this category on the global market continues to grow, and it is expected that this segment will grow by approximately 9% per year by 2029, and the key drivers of growth are the popularity of crossovers and the electrification of the automotive industry. In addition, UHP tires are increasingly in demand in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in China.
Continental offers UHP tires in all market segments, and summer, all-season, and winter models are available, with the flagship being the Continental SportContact 7, which, as reported by the company, since its premiere in 2022, has won 21 out of 24 independent tests, that is, the "success rate" is 87%. Experts particularly noted very short braking distances in any weather conditions, balanced handling on dry roads, and excellent properties on wet surfaces, by which SportContact 7 surpasses many competitors. In addition, thanks to precise reactions to steering wheel turns and high grip, the tires are optimal for a sporty driving style.
During the development of Continental tires, the company closely cooperates with car manufacturers and leading tuning studios, such as AC Schnitzer and Brabus, which, as Gaudswaard notes, "allows us to transfer ideas from the UHP segment to the mass market". Tires for the most powerful cars are manufactured in Korbach (Germany), where the High Performance Technology Center (HPTC) production complex is located, which also conducts tire tests in extreme conditions. "Thanks to the standardized test procedure, we can guarantee that our tires meet the highest standards in terms of safety, efficiency, and innovation," Gaudswaard points out.
Continental's UHP tires are supplied to car manufacturers all over the world, and the SportContact 7 has been homologated for the Porsche Panamera, Maserati Levante, Audi RS6 Avant, Polestar 3, BMW 5-Series, and BYD Seal. The tire is suitable for operation on both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric cars and is available in 120 sizes from 18 to 24 inches.