CONTINENTAL Tire the Americas’ Commercial Vehicle Tire group has announced updates to its commercial light truck tyre lines for North America, the HSR and HDR.
Available now for both original equipment and replacement, the improved HSR (Heavy Steer Regional) and HDR (Heavy Drive Regional) in size 225/70R19.5 offer up to 20% improvement in rolling resistance and mileage over the original models, said Libor Heger, Continental’s director of truck technology, the Americas.
“Compounding is the backbone of our improvement to the HSR and HDR. We have made structural modifications as well, which have resulted in longer wearing, cooler running and more fuel efficient tyres that have been performance proven on both certified tracks and North American roads,” Heger said.
The improvements not only allow OEMs to meet their 2014 EPA and NHTSA “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles” targets for rolling resistance and emissions reduction, but also resulted in improved ride and handling characteristics. The tyres’ rolling resistance coefficients have been measured using the ISO 28580 standard and has already been added to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Model database for manufacturers of Class 2b – 8 vocational trucks, classified as Category 3 by the EPA.
“Compliance with the 2014 EPA ‘GHG’ regulations is particularly important for commercial light truck tires. For Category 3, the model only uses the rolling resistance values for steer and drive positions to determine compliance. This makes proper tyre selection a critical step in maintaining an EPA compliant fleet, starting with original equipment,” Heger explained.
Wes Garber, director of Original Equipment Sales for the Americas, said that more than 99% of Continental’s entire OE volume for commercial vehicle tyres is within compliance for the 2014 regulations. “This achievement is due to our existing focus on providing low rolling resistance, from a research and development competence that is fundamental to our success,” Garber said. “We have only had to make minor adjustments to our existing lines to comply with the rolling resistance goals, and our original equipment customers have been very pleased with the results. We are proud to be their tyre partner for compliance with these regulations and for supplying them with truck tires that meet their customers’ specific needs.”
The HSR offers speed rating “N” for optimum handling at highway speeds, also important for commercial light trucks whose business may depend on just-in-time deliveries. Tread depth is 16/32” for the all-position tread pattern, which provides long mileage in regional and local service. The improved HSR still offers a closed shoulder tread pattern for even wear and reduced noise, and a scuff rib to protect against curbing, cuts and abrasions – important for working commercial light trucks in urban or construction environments.
The HDR also offers speed rating “N”, and features a tread depth of 18/32”. The HDR continues to offer an open shoulder tread pattern with tie-bar, which provides even tread wear along with reduced noise and excellent traction. Its aggressive tread design provides excellent lateral stability to minimise squirm and perform well in wet conditions.
“We are very excited to bring the improved HSR and HDR to market. Our light commercial truck tyre customers will be thrilled with the improved performance and better fuel economy that helps them lower their overall driving costs,” Garber said.