Continental Tire the Americas plans to use the upcoming Mid-America Trucking Show to showcase its new super wide drive tire.
The Continental HDL2 Eco Plus made its first appearance at last year’s MATS, and show attendees were challenged to help the tiremaker decide between two tread patterns. The social media-driven effort resulted in the current design of the 445/50R22.5 LR L radial.
“Along with Continental’s HTL1 trailer tire, the HDL2 Eco Plus represents the new standards in fuel efficiency and mileage for long haul fleets who want to maximize the benefits of wide single truck tires,” said Clif Armstrong, CTA’s commercial tire marketing director. “Not only are these tires easier to check for inflation, and easier to maintain, but their lowered weight from two less beads, sidewalls and rim assemblies and advanced compounding mean that they offer significant reductions in rolling resistance. This translates directly into both fuel and maintenance savings for cost-conscious fleets and owner-operators.”
Featuring 27/32nds of tread depth, a closed shoulder and a three-dimensional sipe in the center of each tread block, the HDL2 Eco Plus super wide is available to dealers across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Based on 2011 attendee feedback, Continental opted to push both designs into further development. The HDL2 Eco Plus is the first to go into production. The second design, according to the tiremaker, is still being refined by Continental’s research and development team.