Starting with the drive axle, there are two new low profile sizes on offer namely 295/60 R 22.5 and 315/60 R 22.5. Meanwhile for steer axle, Continental now offers three new tyres for heavier loads in the form of 315/60 R 22.5 XL, 315/70 R 22.5 XL and 355/50 R 22.5 XL sizes. The Scandinavia 2 XL tyres have been engineered to accommodate higher load capacities while at the same time maintaining maximum traction during the winter season.

All steering axle tyres from the new Scandinavia 2 generation feature an intelligent tread design that provides optimum road contact on varying road surfaces. This is achieved through a multitude of lateral and longitudinal grooves as well as sipes in the tread blocks.

The soft tread compound, which was specially developed for the new winter tyres, grips particularly well on ice and compacted snow. The wide rib on the outer shoulder provides optimum support against the lateral forces which occur during cornering.

Tracey Hyem, commercial marketing manager at Continental, said, “During the last few tough winters, Continental Scandinavia winter tyres for tractor units, rigids and semi-trailers proved that optimum traction and fuel economy can be achieved. The new sizes on the Scandinavia 2 generation will provide operators with additional traction and safety on the roads in snowy and icy conditions”.

Over the course of the tyre life, the new Continental Scandinavia 2 changes its product character thanks to its two-phase tread configuration. During winter use, the Scandinavia 2 winter tyre provides the maximum number of gripping edges for improved traction.

As the tyre wears, the tread pattern develops a tread structure similar to a summer tyre thanks to the considerably higher rubber content. This has the cumulative effect of increasing driving stability and fuel consumption, while reducing the need and cost of having two separate sets of tyres for the two seasons.

Originally founded in 1871, Continental is now celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2011.

The Hanover-based automotive supplier has continued to grow into a leading global automotive supplier from its roots as a specialist solely for tyres and rubber products.

Nine Hanover-based bankers and industrialists founded Continental-Caoutchouc & Gutta-Percha Compagnie as a joint stock company in 1871. An initial workforce of around 200 employees manufactured soft rubber products and rubberised fabrics, as well as solid tyres for carriages and bicycles. In 1904, it became the first company in the world to develop car tyres with tread patterns. It was also first with removable rims for touring cars in 1908 and the first German company to make tubeless tyres in 1943.

In 1921, Continental built on its existing expertise and took the blueprint of its first pneumatic tyre and transferred it to make the first-ever truck tyre. The innovative nature of the company continued at pace and in 1955, Continental became the first company to develop air springs for trucks and buses.

One of the undisputed bestsellers in Continental’s truck range has now literally been reinforced. The HSR2 front-axle tyre in 385/65 R 22.5, 315/70 R 22.5 and 315/80 R 22.5 format from the particularly economic and durable regional series 2 is joined by a newly developed XL version.

The maximum load rating per axle is 10 tons for the 385/65 R 22.5 and up to 8 tons per axle for the other two XL versions. The new XL tyre is the answer to the introduction of modern Euro 6 engines with heavier exhaust gas treatment systems.

The HSR2 XL, which is manufactured using a special process with endless casing windings, is particularly suited to top-heavy vehicle combinations. The new XL version features an impressive stiffer structure, further improved rolling resistance and a considerably longer life.

The new HTR2 in 385/55 R 22.5 size is a completely new development for use on volume-optimized trailers and semi-trailers. A 35mm gain in design height is possible thanks to a new 55 cross-section for the special HTR2 trailer tyre. This extra cargo area height is a real competitive advantage for container transport in parts logistics and numerous other uses in volume transport.

In the design of the new tiyre type, particular attention was paid to transferring the product advantages of the HTR family to the new low cross-section tyres.

The new HSR2 XL regional front tyre is available in the sizes 385/65 R 22.5 (axle load up to 10 tons), 315/70 R 22.5 and 315/80 R 22.5 axle load for both dimensions up to 8 tons). The HTR2 trailer tyre for volume usage is being launched in 385/55 R 22.5 size.

Being true all-round talents, the tyres on light trucks need to prove themselves over and over again day after day. Downtown delivery rounds require both nimble performance and resistance to curb contact as well as to overloading at specific points. Regional distribution assignments demand optimum road grip, good braking performance and low rolling resistance. Continental’s new LSR1+ and LDR1+ for 17.5 inch wheels and for widths of 205 to 265 millimeters with 75 cross section are lined up in this demanding field with top figures.

Thanks to an all-new material compound, it has been possible to reduce the rolling resistance by up to 10 percent without losing out on handling and durability. The new tyre types allow fuel savings of between 3 and 4 percent to be achieved together with an overall increased mileage. Due to their savings potential, the new Continental tires make a considerable contribution to the overall economy of the vehicle in distribution assignments.

“With preparation for activation of our sponsorship of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) in South Africa going ahead at full steam, we have already laid the ground for worldwide marketing communication in the next few years by renewing the FIFA partnership through 2014.”

As a central communications platform, pro soccer has been shown to be extremely useful in enhancing brand awareness in our core markets and in contributing to a steady strengthening of our premium Continental brand’s market position. Being the effervescent soccer nation that it is and the host of the next FIFA World Cup, Brazil already, at this time, promises a uniquely enthusiastic and impassioned festival – attributes that likewise excellently fit our products,” explained Nikolai Setzer, Continental Executive Board member for Passenger and Light Truck Tires.

The test work, was carried out by Entyrety, the independent UK fleet tyre service firm on behalf of Continental (http://www.entyrety.co.uk/generator/www/uk/en/entyrety/entyrety/themes/fleet_ services /fleet_tyre_audit.html).

The organisation says its “sole objective” is to identify high costs from poor tyre management, and it said it found ”without exception Continental’s tyres proved to be either of equal or less weight than its competitors across the entire range.”

The tests showed between 8 and 10kg a tyre weight saving on construction applications and between 5 and 9kg a tyre across distribution and long haul applications.

As well as achieving good wear out of its Continental tyres, Nynas is also benefiting from their low weight and the contribution they make to fuel efficiency. The result is savings all round, with up to a tonne more payload carried by each truck every week and fuel consumption of 8.64 mpg for tankers running at 44 tonnes.

An annual independent audit by entyrety has also confirmed the benefits that Nynas derives from its good tyre husbandry. Carried out on a spot check basis, these audits have consistently confirmed the company as being amongst the top performers in terms of its tyre management process, with its consequent cost saving and safety benefits.

Ernie Dixon, who as Distribution Manager is responsible for the company’s tyre policy, says: “Careful tyre management based on a three-way partnership between ourselves, our supplier Nation Tyres (a ContiNetwork Partner based on The Wirral), and Continental has helped us contain our costs and even to reduce them. It involves having a clear policy that starts with selection of the correct tyres for our application and the type of vehicles we operate and following on from that with a rigorous regime of tyre checks.

“Tyres are particularly important in a business like ours, where we operate a fleet of tankers carrying a petroleum-based product. These vehicles are hard-worked too, operating six and a half days a week and travelling throughout the UK from our Ellesmere Port base. They’re also at their maximum weight of 44 tonnes every time they leave the refinery.”

Standard fitment on the steer axle of Nynas’s mid-lift axle tractors is the Continental HSR1. This has an extra wide contour to give good road-holding and at the same time achieve high mileage along with lower noise levels. The groove design also reduces the risk of retention of stones, which can quickly cause damage.

With the recent introduction of the new HSR2 steer axle tyre, Nynas will progressively move on to this tyre from which they are expecting even better performance and fuel savings.

Continental’s HDR+ is the choice for drive axles. This has a wide and deep tread pattern and closed shoulder to ensure high mileage and gives good grip in wet conditions. Improved tread compounds help to reduce wear and allow for easy re-grooving to achieve a second life. The tough casing construction of these tyres also makes them more suitable for re-treading, which can then be followed by a second re-grooving in line with the ContiLifeCycle tyre management process designed to achieve optimum use out of every tyre.

On its tri-axle tanker trailers the company uses the Continental HTR2 tyre. This has a high load carrying capability with good safety reserves. The tread groove pattern of the HTR2 is designed to deliver even wear resulting in excellent mileage and, like the HSR1, it too reduces stone trapping and protects the casing.

“It’s not just about the choice of tyres,” says Ernie Dixon. “Our drivers are trained to check for any signs of damage or under-inflation as part of their daily checks and they are given instruction in the correct use of lifting axles on both tractors and trailers, which of course results in no tyre wear on those axles when running light.

“Every day a fitter from our tyre supplier, Nation Tyres, is at our depot to carry out checks and take tyres away for repairs or re-grooving. The proactive approach that they take ensures that problems are identified early and that action can be taken before something goes wrong. There’s no doubt that this makes a major contribution to containing our tyre costs and getting the optimum performance from our Continental tyres.”

Nation Tyres, based in Ellesmere Port, South Wirral was established in 2001 by fellow directors Tony Glennon and Wally Owens, who between them boast over 70 years experience in the tyre industry. The company, based in Ellesmere Port, South Wirral looks after over 30 large fleets and has customer base of well over 350 companies. Nation Tyres has been a ContiNetworkPartner since its very beginning and covers an area of approximately 30 miles, employing 14 highly trained members of staff operating from their two depots.

The survey of 4,000 motorists for Continental Tyres found that drivers were only fully concentrating on the road for 67 per cent of the time spent at the wheel. And tuning the radio, talking to passengers and gawping at the scenery topped the list of everyday distractions.

Guy Frobisher at Continental Tyres said: “These statistics are really worrying. When driving, so much can happen in just a few seconds that you need to be able to react quickly so you can brake safely.  If you’re not fully paying attention you are less likely to anticipate the risks that emerge during a journey and reactions are slowed.

“The net effect is that people are not avoiding the risks and they are less likely to brake in time, meaning more accidents.’’

The research found the average driver is on the road for 45 minutes a day and that they are in their own little world for 17 minutes of this time. They make an average of three trips in their car each day. They are distracted at least three times on each journey and for at least four seconds each time. At just 40 mph a car will travel over 18 metres every second.

Some 27 per cent of respondents believe their short attention span is to blame for their poor driving – with more than four in 10 being disinterested in the road ahead and not being able to concentrate for more than 37 minutes. It also emerged 45 per cent have crashed or had a close call due to being distracted whilst behind the wheel.

Guy Frobisher added: “Our fast-paced lives can mean little time to fit everything in, but driving is no time for multi-tasking. Our advice is to avoid distractions like eating or drinking or making a phone call, even if hands-free. You could prevent an accident. Even with their eyes on the road, drivers should be aware of the affect that tyre tread depth has on stopping distances.

“Tests show that in wet weather a car travelling at 70mph with 3mm of tread would stop when a car at the legal minimum of 1.6mm would still be travelling at 50mph and not come to a stop for a further 44 metres. It’s then that you hope that other drivers are not only paying attention but also ensuring their tyres are in good condition as well.”

Worryingly, a quarter of respondents have scared others with their driving and one in five has feared for their own safety. Although 57 per cent admit their driving improves when children are in the car. Nearly half (48 per cent) admit to having knowingly broken the law – from talking on their mobile phone to skipping a red light. Nine in 10 admit to rubber-necking at accidents on the side of the road. Yet 86 per cent rate themselves as ‘good drivers’.

The intelligent tyre database is DEKRA-certified and helps calculate the running costs of a truck and show ways to reduce them.

The calculator is a world first. It works out the ideal choice of tyre using the customer’s individual usage figures. The cost-saving potential compared with similar tyre products is calculated and the improvement in your own economy is shown. The application not only takes the kilometre costs and the fuel consumption into account for the overall calculation, it also covers additional income from the increased payload that a lower tyre weight makes possible.

The number of trucks, annual mileage and the use of retreaded tyres are requested for the basic cost calculation. At this stage, the user can immediately see the percentage and actual cost advantage compared with similar products. The tyre types for steer and drive axles on the tractor as well as the trailer can be selected separately and calculated together with purchasing conditions like return of casings, fitting price etc. As on the road and in real terms, it is not only the purchase price and the mileage that play a part.

At many transport companies, the mileage of a truck tyre remains the most important assessment criterion for the economy of the tyre. However with ever rising fuel prices, a tyre’s economy is where significant savings can be made.

The focus of cost balances for long distance transport has shifted to fuel consumption, which accounts for around 30 percent of the running costs incurred in long distance usage. The enormous savings potential resulting from the use of modern, low rolling resistance tyres can be worked out exactly with the ContiCostCalculator. The user simply needs to enter the average consumption of their vehicles and the fuel costs.

The ContiCostCalculator also calculates the possible weight saving achieved with reduced-weight tyres in applications where the payload is critical, like tanker and silo transporters. Thanks to its numerous calculation possibilities, the ContiCostCalculator is sure to become an important decision-making tool when buying truck tyres and a valuable aid when calculating fleet vehicle costs.

“The intelligent programme calculates cost savings that can reach a six-figure sum with a fleet of 50 tractor-trailers, for example,” says Stephan Giesler, eBusiness Manager for Commercial Vehicle Tyres at Continental.

Supervisory association DEKRA has carefully analyzed the calculation processes and officially certified the cost calculator.

The objective of the new tyre is to offer operators improved economy whilst at the same time extending tyre life. The new tyre also offers a quieter and more comfortable ride quality for both driver and passengers.

The new tyre design features a durable casing with a 4-ply triangular belt and new bead structure with steel cord reinforcement. The structure makes the new tyre particularly appropriate for regional and long distance coach operation. In practical tests, rolling resistance has been further reduced, delivering greater fuel savings of up to five percent.

Continental tyre technicians were able to increase sidewall stability in the new tyre to enhance handling for a safer and more comfortable ride. Another benefit of the new tyre is the high volume proportion of the tread, which has been raised by 1.5mm a contributing factor in extending the mileage of the HSR 2 by 20 percent before the tyre goes for retreading. The detailed design work also means that the new tyre has a higher quality second life.

The company has optimized the rib profile with narrow grooves and a stabilizing three-dimensional contour in the tread area enhancing both low rolling resistance and quiet running, elements which are becoming increasingly important with modern coach operation.

The HSR 2 tyre also takes advantage of, and benefits from, a new Continental technology, AirKeep®. The company has developed a new inner tyre liner which reduces the gradual leaching of air from a tyre that happens with a more traditional liner. The end result is that tyre pressure loss is reduced by 50 percent thereby improving fuel consumption and extending tyre life considerably.