Continental will supply original equipment tires for 2011 model-year Ram medium duty Chassis Cab trucks.
In a multi-year order, Chrysler has designated that the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab editions will be equipped with Continental’s 225/70R19.5 tires, according to Tom Fanning, Continental’s director of original equipment sales for commercial vehicle tires.
The company’s HSR (steer) and HDR (drive) tires were selected for the fitment.
“Continental tires were chosen because they give Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks a competitive advantage, offering a class-exclusive N speed rating (87 mph),” says Fanning. “Ram executives have told us this is something their customers have been asking for and is superior to the M speed rating (81 mph) of the competition’s tire.”
Tire speed ratings are an important consideration for fire, rescue, ambulance and other emergency service responders, he notes.
The HSR is a premium steer-position tire rated for load range G. Its 16/32-inch all-position tread pattern provides long mileage in regional and local service, Fanning says. Other features include a protective scuff rib, a closed-shoulder tread pattern to promote even wear, and an aggressive tread design that promotes stability and increases wet traction.
The HDR is a multi-purpose drive tire rated for load range G with an 18/32-inch tread depth. It features a multi-service tread compound for local and long-haul service, and offset center tread blocks that provide all-weather traction.
“Drivers of medium and heavy duty trucks throughout North America have seen for years that the HSR and HDR tires meet their needs for reliability and fuel economy,” says Fanning.
“Today we’re happy to announce that we’ll provide our tires to even more customers in the future with this new fitment on the Ram Chassis Cab,” he continues. “We look forward to working with Chrysler and to supplying their customers with high quality truck tires.”
The order is Continental’s third major OE contact for truck tires in less than a year.
For more information, visit www.conti-na.com.
