Conti taps new silica compound to increase truck tire durability

Hanover, Germany – Continental has launched a new commercial tire which employs an innovative silica compound, said to improve fuel- and energy-efficiency in truck tires.

The Conti EfficientPro 5 tire features an optimised version of 'silica compound vec2Sil' that, said the German tire maker, offers significant benefits to long-distance haulage operators.

“The combination of reduced rolling resistance and long service-life makes this tire unique,” claimed Hinnerk Kaiser, head of product development EMEA at Continental.

This, he said, helps vehicle manufacturers to comply with EU Regulations 2019/2400 and 2019/1241 and ensures their vehicles operate economically. 

A new tread design additionally provides reliable traction and wet grip in all weather conditions, said Kaiser, adding that a robust casing also ensures "optimum" retreadability.

Launched following “an intensive development phase,” the tire also features a tread design with void-generating grooves for enhanced handling and braking performance, including on wet or snow-covered roads.

The silica compound was further stated to cut operating costs and be environmentally-friendly – though Continental's release did not provide details about the filler technology.

The Conti EfficientPro 5 is said to be particularly suited to electrically-powered commercial vehicles: providing a higher load index than its predecessor.