MATS Report: 'General truck tire line 'rejuvenated'

By Bruce Davis, Tire Business staff

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 1, 2015) — Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C. is rejuvenating the General Tire commercial tire brand, with an overhauled product range, a centennial-year-based marketing/advertising campaign and a nationwide road show designed to reinforce the brand's image.

The marketing/advertising campaign — dubbed “Powering the Future” — rolls out in dedicated trucking media and draws on the General brand's heritage as a commercial tire from its earliest roots, according to Alex Chmiel, Conti's director of marketing, commercial vehicle tires, the Americas.

In relaunching the General commercial product, the tire maker is pitching it to owner-operators and smaller fleets, those with up to 99 units (tractors and trailers), Mr. Chmiel said during a press conference last week at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville.

As such, Conti is positioning the latest General truck tire lineup as a reliable, value-priced tire that delivers long tread life and improved fuel-efficiency vs. recent products.

Conti estimates the market demand from small and medium-sized truck operators at 10.7 million new truck tries and 7.5 million retreads a year.

The HD features a full 1-inch tread depth with a closed shoulder tread design that offers high mileage and optimal fuel economy while also delivering traction in demanding applications, Conti said. The tread block geometry promotes stiffness in the footprint, which reduces excess block movement leading to lower rolling resistance and improved fuel economy. The groove bottom ejection system reduces stone retention and casing penetration leading to higher retreadability.

The HD drive tire launches with one size, 11R22.5, and will be followed throughout the year with three more Load Range G sizes — 295/75R22.5, 11R24.5 and 285/75R24.5.

The HT trailer tire delivers optimal removal mileage and flexibility through an improved tread pattern, according to Conti. The improved scuff rib protects the sidewalls from curbing and cutting therefore reducing damage to the tire and increasing retreadability. The HT launches with the 295/75R22.5 (Load Range G) and will continue throughout the year with 11R22.5 (Load Range G); 255/70R22.5 (Load Range H); 11R24.5 (Load Range G); and 285/75R24.5 (Load Range G).

The HS steer tire features an enhanced tread design, fuel-efficient compounding and an upgraded casing platform. Conti said. The five-rib tread pattern, including a straight groove bottom design, promotes even wear and high removal mileage. Additionally, the grooves feature pyramidal shaped stone ejectors to prevent stone retention and increase retreadability.

It will debut in May with the 295/75R22.5 and will continue with 11R22.5; 11R24.5; 285/75R24.5. All are Load Range H.

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