INDIANAPOLIS (June 20, 2012) — Continental Tire the Americas is targeting its newest luxury performance replacement tire, the all-season PureContact, at owners of 2007 and newer autos equipped OE with premium tires from manufacturers like Michelin North America, Bridgestone Americas or Goodyear.
Conti previewed the PureContact last week to dealers and the media at a ride-and-drive event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The tire goes on sale to the public in September.
“We're going after that first replacement where competitors are sourced at the original equipment level,” Travis Roffler, director of marketing, told Tire Business. “We're saying the PureContact will be better suited mileage-wise, wet braking- or safety-wise and performance-wise overall.
“The consumers are looking for safety and mileage, predominately,” he said. “So that's what we try to gear all of our replacement product toward.”
Incorporating features found in Continental's ExtremeContact DWS and DW ultra-high-performance tires as well as its EcoPlus Technology, the PureContact will deliver best in class tread life, wet braking and wet traction, while remaining solidly competitive in fuel economy, comfort, ride and styling, Mr. Roffler said.
Conti will offer a limited 70,000-mile / 72-month warranty and 60-day customer satisfaction trial and road hazard protection for the first 12 months or first 2/32 inch of tread.
The PureContact will be available in 27 fitments — 26 of which will be available when the tire goes on sale Sept. 4 — in 15- through 18-inch wheel diameters with section widths from 195 to 245 mm and in 40 through 65 aspect ratios.
The tire has a UTQG of 700 AA for both H- and V-speed-rated tires.
Continental is offering dealers a 5-percent discount for qualified orders placed by July 15.
Jeff Yip is a freelancer who contributes regularly to Tire Business.