By Shahrzad Pourriahi, Crain News Service
PUCHOV, Slovak Republic (Sept. 1, 2015) — Continental Matador Puchov, part of Continental A.G., has rolled out a test series of run-flats and is now awaiting final approvals from a Fiat Group customer, the Slovak company announced.
Describing the tires as SSR — self-supporting run-flats — Puchov-based Matador explained that the tires could support a speed of about 50 mph for 50 miles if punctured, thanks to its reinforced sidewall.
Until this year, the only Continental plants in Europe that made these tires were the Aachen and Korbach, Germany, factories, according to the tire maker.
“At the end of 2013 a decision was taken to add production at our plant in response to increased demand for the tires as part of the initial equipment for auto makers,” the Conti announcement said.
In February, the company produced the first test series of type 225/50R17 94H ContiProContact SSR and then type 225/45 R18 95H XL ProContact GX SSR tires. Both, the company said, are for a customer in the Fiat Group.
“We are now waiting for final approval of both types, and we will then start supplying auto makers with our first mass-produced SSR tires,” Conti added.
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This report appeared on the website of European Rubber Journal, a United Kingdom-based sister publication of Tire Business.
