Continental Tire the Americas’ new deep lug Continental HDL2 DL Eco Plus drive tire has received EPA SmartWay fuel efficiency verification.
The Conti HDL2 DL Eco Plus, which will be available in June, is the company’s fifth medium radial so certified.
“Previously, tires could be submitted for SmartWay verification either as individual tires, or as a combined package of steer, drive and trailer axle tires with a collective rolling resistance index for all three positions,” said Clif Armstrong, director of commercial tire marketing. “This latter combination procedure potentially meant that some tires with higher RR indexes than the limit for SmartWay could be verified, because the lower RR index of the partner tires in the combination could make up the difference.
“However, it is generally understood that during 2010, SmartWay will no longer allow this combined method to be used to gain approval. In addition, those tires previously approved using the combined method will have to be re-verified as individual tires before the end of the year,” he said.
The HDL2 DL Eco Plus, which will be released initially in size 275/80R22.5, features a 32/32nds-inch tread depth, a closed shoulder tread design for wet/dry traction and resistance to irregular wear, and a wider casing for handling and stability.
In addition to the HDL2 DL Eco Plus, Continental’s HSL2 (steer), HDL Eco Plus (drive), HTL Eco Plus (trailer) and HTL1 (trailer) are included on the SmartWay list of verified tires.
