Continental has developed new tires for urban buses

The premiere of the new Continental Conti Urban HA 5 NXT tire, made with an increased proportion of renewable and recycled materials (from 55% to 60%), including those certified to the ISCC Plus environmental standard, will take place at the Busworld Europe exhibition in Brussels (Belgium). Additionally, the tire's eco-friendliness has been increased due to a 25% reduction in rolling resistance, which can increase the range of electric buses by 15%, while the new rubber compound has extended the tire's lifespan by 15% compared to the Conti Urban HA 3 model, maintaining a "B" rating for wet grip according to the European classification system.

As noted by Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Truck and Bus Tire Development at Continental in EMEA, the new tire was created not only to accelerate the transition to more eco-friendly public transport but also to address typical challenges in this segment, such as curb contacts, frequent starts and stops at traffic lights, and narrow street maneuvering.

According to Leo Kolloziej, Head of Truck and Bus Tires for the OE sector at Continental in the EMEA region, the Busworld Europe exhibition was chosen for the debut of the novelty because "this major industry event is an excellent platform for presenting the Conti Urban HA 5 NXT to our OE customers, fleet operators, transport companies, and other industry representatives".

The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) was launched in 2010 and is considered crucial in evaluating the eco-friendliness of supplies. Various factors, such as deforestation prevention, are taken into account, and the standard aims to promote the transition to a circular economy and bioeconomy. The certification is voluntary and confirms the use of high eco-friendliness-level raw materials throughout the supply chain, from production to sales to the end consumer.

According to DVV Media, in the second quarter of 2024, about half of all new urban bus registrations were for eco-friendly equipment, and Continental notes that they are consistently working to bring their bus tires in line with current urbanization and zero-emission transport requirements.

"As reported by Eurostat, by 2030, around 80% of Europeans will live in urban centers, making transport solutions that reduce noise and harmful emissions, as well as digital traffic management systems, indispensable — says the company. — The EU's ambitious climate goals and new regulations confirm this trend. According to the European Commission, by 2030, only zero-emission buses will be registered in the region. <...> In 2024, their share in countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Slovenia, Ireland, Finland, and Portugal was 100%".

The Continental Conti Urban HA 5 NXT has been developed with both eco-friendliness and high operational performance in mind, and Kolloziej notes that "our customers expect solutions that reduce environmental damage and are economically viable in both the OE sector and the secondary market". "The Conti Urban HA 5 NXT meets these expectations with a balanced concept that combines resource conservation, high energy efficiency, and extended tire lifespan", he added.

The production of the tires utilizes "green" materials, such as additives from renewable sources and secondary synthetic rubber, including that obtained through the mechanical recycling of old tires. The tread pattern has been optimized for both reduced rolling resistance and lower noise levels, achieving an "A" rating for external noise according to the EU labeling system.

The tread pattern of the new Continental tires features closely spaced lugs that enhance traction on slippery surfaces, and the design has been refined to improve stability during lane changes and increase braking efficiency, the latter factor being particularly important for electric buses with regenerative brakes. Additionally, the pre-installed sensors of the latest generation enable quick connection of the tires to the digital fleet management system and provide the operator with data on tire pressure, temperature, and mileage, allowing for predictive maintenance, reduced vehicle downtime, and lower operating costs.

Continental also emphasizes that they reduce environmental harm at all stages of the production and sales chain, from sourcing eco-friendly raw materials to recycling end-of-life tires. By 2030, the company plans to increase the proportion of eco-materials used to at least 40%, while maintaining high safety standards.

Currently, the Conti Urban HA 5 NXT is available in the 275/70 R22.5 size, and in the OE sector, the tires are equipped with sensors that are also available for order on the secondary market. The tire joins the Conti Urban HA 5 model, presented in 2024, in the brand's lineup.

The Busworld Europe exhibition will take place from October 4 to 9, 2025.