A new segment in commercial truck operations, combining long haul with regional traffic, is the force behind the launch of Continental Tire the Americas’ latest drive tire. The all-new Conti Hybrid HD3 offers the drive tire trifecta of mileage, fuel efficiency, and traction.
Today’s trucking companies require not only advanced technology, but the ability to utilize the same tire whether they are operating in linehaul or regional applications, says Alex Chmiel, Continental Tire’s brand and communications manager.
“We listened when our customers told us they needed fuel efficiency when they are on the highway, and the durability and extended mileage when they’re on regional roads,” he says. “But it’s impossible to think that they can constantly change their tires, even when routes may switch from short to long hauls on a weekly or even daily basis. Our new Conti Hybrid HD3 addresses the needs of this evolving segment in order to provide the best of both worlds from one all-new truck tire.”
The traction requirements for regional traffic, which often include changing weather conditions and curved roads, have also been addressed via the Conti Hybrid HD3’s tread geometry to provide grip throughout the life of the product, Heger says.
“The three-dimensional lateral sipes and a directional tread pattern provide more gripping edges on the road surface than a traditional drive tire,” he says. “These sipes also support the tread blocks against forces from the drivetrain, retarder and wheel brake system to achieve the best possible traction and braking force transfer. An open shoulder also gives ideal grip and directional control for this application.”
When operated in long haul conditions, the new Conti Hybrid HD3 reduces fuel consumption versus Continental’s traditional regional and mileage drive tires, Heger says. With advanced tread cap compounding, a self-stabilizing rib-block pattern, and minimized tread deformation from a stiff shoulder, drivers can expect more than 10% improvement in rolling resistance against Continental’s HDR2 and HDL2 DL.
Continental’s advanced ContiGOODSCasing features are also included for maximum retreadability, including a premium belt package, flatter contour, and a more supportive bead package, Heger said.
Continental Tire dealers began stocking the Conti Hybrid HD3 in April in sizes 295/75R22.5, 11R22.5 and 11R24.5. The tire will be available as a ContiTread retread product in late 2013. Both the new tire and ContiTread product will be submitted to the EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership technology program for verification. n