MATS Report: Conti debuts General highway tires

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 27, 2015) — Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C. rolled out three General-brand highway truck tires — the General HS, HD and HT — at the 2015 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) taking place this week in Louisville.

Set to launch in May in size 295/75R22.5 (load range H), the General HS is a new long-haul steer tire featuring an enhanced tread design, fuel-efficient compounding and an upgraded casing platform. Sizes 11R22.5, 11R24.5 and 285/75R24.5 — all load range H — will be added later, Conti said.

The tire's five rib tread pattern includes a straight groove bottom design and promotes even wear. In addition, Conti said the grooves feature pyramidal shaped stone ejectors to prevent stone retention and increase retreadability.

Upgraded compounding in the General HS leads to longer removal mileage while still delivering optimal fuel economy, the tire maker said. The tire's casing features an enhanced bead-to-belt package, designed to increase overall durability.

The General HD long-haul drive will roll out in April and will be available in sizes 11R22.5, 295/75R22.5, 11R24.5 and 285/75R24.5, all in load range G. It features a deep 32/32nd closed shoulder tread design that Conti said offers high mileage and optimal fuel economy while delivering the traction necessary for demanding applications.

The tire's tread block geometry promotes stiffness in the footprint, which the tire maker said reduces excess block movement and leads to lower rolling resistance and improved fuel economy. The groove bottom ejection system reduces stone retention and casing penetration.

The company also added to its commercial line-up the new General HT long-haul trailer tire. Available this month in size 295/75R22.5 (load range G), it delivers optimal removal mileage and flexibility via an improved tread pattern, Conti said. The full line will consist of four additional sizes, including 11R22.5 (G), 255/70R22.5 (H), 11R24.5 (G) and 285/75R24.5 (G).

According to Conti, the tire features an improved scuff rib that protects the sidewalls from curbing and cutting, reducing damage and increasing retreadability. Other features include a stone repellent tread pattern with patented groove technology for minimal stone retention.

More information about the new General highway tire line is on the brand's website.