All change at Continental Sampa plans global expansion

Continental chose Road Transport Expo as the launch venue for a range of new truck tyres.

The fifth-generation hybrid product was launched for steer and drive axles, with a focus on the regional market and tuned to produce longer mileages and greater durability.

The Conti Hybrid HS5 steer tyre and HD5 drive tyre are available in all common sizes and will be released in August.

Continental general manager Steve Howat said there had been several key improvements in the new steer tyre, with particular focus on reducing wear and counteracting rib sinkage issues.

“It’s been in development for nearly five years and is a key strategic product for us.

“Like any drive tyre, the

HD5 has block patterns and stone trapping is an issue, so we’ve got stone ejectors in there so that when the tyre hits the road surface it opens up and releases them,” Howat added.

Continental also unveiled its first low rolling resistance retread tyre. The trailer tyre is a product of Continental’s investment in retread specialist Bandvulc.

“We’re releasing [retread] tyres now that provide almost the same properties as a new tyre,” Howat said.