Continental is introducing its ProContact with EcoPlus Technology. The premium all season tire was developed to deliver improved fuel economy and treadwear and reduce harmful CO2 emissions while surpassing competing tire lines.
“What’s even more impressive is that this tire provides these benefits without sacrificing performance, especially wet braking,” says Bill Caldwell, vice president of sales and marketing.
“In fact,” he adds, “the ProContact with EcoPlus Technology has proven to deliver more controlled braking and significantly shorter stopping distances.”
Available in a T-speed rating with a UTQG rating of 600 AB, it is available in a variety of 15- to 18-inch sizes to fit a wide range of vehicles for fuel-conscious motorists.
“Today’s consumer is very interested in how to save money and be more energy and environmentally friendly,” Caldwell points out.
“Our objective was to create a tire that responds to this need without compromising other performances, like wet braking and mileage, that are the typical tradeoffs of other ‘eco’ tires,” Caldwell continues. “Our technical team has managed to overcome these trade-offs,” he says.
The new release “goes beyond other premium touring tires and makes groundbreaking advances in rolling resistance, which saves fuel and helps reduce driving costs,” according to Caldwell.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that each gallon of gas saved also means that 19.4 fewer pounds of toxic CO2 emissions are released into the Earth’s atmosphere, so every gallon of gasoline saved helps reduce fuel costs, and in turn, helps to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil.
“Continental is committed to finding ‘real world’ environmental solutions, and not all tires are created equal in this regard,” asserts Caldwell. “For example, fuel efficiency can vary by as much as 50 percent – for just one vehicle type.”
The EcoPlus Technology aspect consists of two main components: Tg-F Polymers and Plus Silane.
Tg-F polymers are temperature-activated functional polymers that increase compound bonding, improving the wear and fuel efficiency of the tire. Plus Silane is an additive that works to enhance the tire’s grip on slippery roads to reduce stopping distances.
“These technologies work together to enhance the driving experience for a long tire life when conditions are normal, plus provide excellent wet braking on slippery roads,” Caldwell says.
“In the past, reducing rolling resistance meant sacrificing wet traction and treadwear,” he recounts. “Not so with the ProContact with EcoPlus Technology – Continental engineers have been able to deliver wet traction and lowered rolling resistance without compromising either characteristic.”
The tire comes with a 72-month manufacturer’s workmanship warranty and 12 months free Replacement; 12 months of road hazard coverage; a 60-day customer satisfaction warranty and an 80,000-mile limited tread wear warranty.
For more information, visit www.continentaltire.com.
