Continental releases a new commercial tire
Continental has announced the release of a new commercial tire, the Continental VanContact A/S Eco, which, according to the manufacturer, will be the first all-season tire in its class to receive the highest rating of "A" in the European classification system for all three parameters: fuel efficiency, wet grip, and noise level.
During the development of the new tires, Continental's engineers improved all three of these characteristics. For example, rolling resistance was reduced by 21%, and noise was decreased by more than 1 dB compared to the previous generation of tires. In addition, the tire's resistance to aquaplaning increased by 10%. Since the new tire can be used year-round in countries with mild winters, the need for seasonal tire changes is eliminated, which reduces the costs of vehicle fleets.
The improvement in tire characteristics was achieved through the use of technologies such as Smart Energy Casing: a modified metal cord breaker provides the necessary tire strength while also increasing energy efficiency due to its reduced weight. Additionally, the distance between the tread blocks was reduced, which, in combination with the variable pitch of the tread pattern, improved acoustic comfort. The V-shaped design with snow-catching grooves and improved lamella shape is intended to provide optimal safety in a wide range of weather conditions.
"The VanContact A/S Eco is a tire that exceeds the expectations of both commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators," said Nicolas Yakish, Continental's product manager for light truck tires. "Thanks to its optimized rolling resistance, the tire contributes to reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions while maintaining high standards of safety and comfort."
Continental adds that the European commercial vehicle market continues to evolve, and electric vans, which have reduced noise levels and do not emit exhaust gases, are a practical and economical option for transportation companies and municipal services, especially for inner-city transportation. Additionally, it is expected that due to stricter emissions requirements, the EU's ambitious climate goals, and consumers' desire to achieve carbon neutrality, the demand for vehicles of this type will continue to grow steadily, although traditional vans with internal combustion engines will also continue to be used in the foreseeable future.
The Continental VanContact A/S Eco is designed for vehicles with any type of powertrain, and the EV✓ marking on the sidewalls indicates that the tire has been adapted for use on electric vehicles. "The new tire reflects our commitment to innovation, responsible product development, and customer-oriented design," Yakish notes, adding that the VanContact A/S Eco "will set new standards for efficiency in the commercial tire segment and contribute to the creation of more efficient and environmentally friendly mobility in the future."
The new tires will be launched on the European market in the first quarter of 2026 in the sizes 205/75 R16C and 235/65 R16C, and the release of additional sizes will depend on demand from vehicle manufacturers.