RIO DE JANEIRO (June 18, 2014) — As an official sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Continental A.G. has equipped all 32 team buses, as well as guest transfer buses with its premium Continental-brand bus tires.
The buses have been fitted with the third-generation ContiGol Urbano, in size 275/80R22.5, which was specially designed to meet the needs of urban traffic in Brazil, where quick stops and speed fluctuations are a common occurrence. Conti said the tire boasts a 30-percent improvement in mileage compared to its predecessor and features a denser molecular structure in the liner to help maintain air pressure at an optimal level.
Conti added that the tire sidewalls have been specially designed with stylized footballs, the FIFA World Cup logo and the vulcanized yellow Continental logo. The one-of-a-kind tires will “ensure a highly visible presence throughout the entire event,” the firm said.
“As an official sponsor to the 2014 FIFA World Cup we of course feel responsible for the safety of the world's best footballers and our own guests,” said Alexander Bahlmann, head of public relations, passenger and light truck tires. “Therefore we are aiming to live up to this great responsibility in Brazil too, because our products forge the only link between the buses and the road.”
Production of the ContiGol Urbano began in the first quarter of 2014 at Continental's tire plant in Camacari, Bahia, Brazil. Two sizes — 275/80R22.5 and 295/80R22.5 — are being manufactured for the markets of Brazil, Ecuador, Columbia and Venezuela.