Crain News Service report
HANOVER, Germany (June 16, 2014) — Continental A.G. has refined its Conti.eContact tire for hybrid models and received the European Union (EU) Tire Label's top A rating for wet grip and rolling resistance.
The new summer tire was originally launched in 2011 and is the first from Conti to obtain this rating, according to the company.
“With immediate effect we are offering the tire in six sizes for 17- and 18-inch rims,” Conti said, “specially designed for models such as the Opel Ampera, BMW 5 ActiveHybrid, Lexus LS 600h and Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, as well as other cars and SUVs with hybrid drive.
“Given that this is a new vehicle segment that also involves highly complex production processes, Continental is kicking off with low-volume production at its French tire plant in Sarreguemines.”
The company said its in-house studies also point to incremental growth in the proportion of hybrid vehicles in the EU's passenger car segment, which could account for as much as eight percent by 2020.
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This report appeared on european-rubber-journal.com, the website of European Rubber Journal, a UK-based sister publication of Tire Business.
