Continental Tires, one of the leading premium tire manufacturers, has recently hosted a successful Track Day in Chennai, India, to showcase its latest advancements in tire engineering, safety, and performance. The event provided participants with the opportunity to experience firsthand the newly launched Cross Contact H/T for passenger vehicles and witness the Intelligent Tyres designed for commercial vehicles in action, going beyond a mere product demonstration.
Continental develops innovative technologies and services to foster sustainable and connected mobility for both people and goods. Established in 1871, this technology company provides safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions across various sectors, including vehicles, machinery, traffic, and transportation. With a preliminary sales figure of €39.4 billion in 2022, Continental employs over 200,000 individuals in 57 countries and markets, commemorating its 150th anniversary on October 8, 2021.
Within its Tyres group sector, Continental operates 24 production and development facilities globally, making it one of the leading tire manufacturers. With a workforce of more than 57,000, the group achieved preliminary sales of €14 billion in 2022. Continental is one of the technology leaders in tire production, delivering a comprehensive product range for passenger cars, commercial and special-purpose vehicles, as well as two-wheelers. The company’s aim towards continuous research and development significantly contributes to promoting safe, cost-effective, and ecologically efficient mobility.
The tyre business portfolio extends beyond manufacturing, encompassing services tailored for the tire trade, fleet applications, and digital management systems for tires. Continental’s multifaceted approach positions it as a key player in shaping the future of mobility through technological advancements and a strong commitment to sustainability. Continental Tires places a strong emphasis on safety through cutting-edge technology, robust design, and rigorous testing. The company has consistently utilized technology to develop innovative, durable, and secure products for the road transport industry.
The CrossContact H/T (H/T = Highway/Terrain), introduced in India in 2023, takes center stage at the Track Day. Engineered with a robust and durable design tailored to the demands of driving on and off-road (80% on and 20% off-road), this tyre features a special verification indicator. Crafted with precision at the Modipuram plant, the CrossContact H/T offers a multi-purpose tread that ensures high mileage, comfort, and safety. With a versatile range catering to rim sizes from 15 inches to 18 inches in diameter, it meets the diverse needs of passenger vehicles under the SUV segment, a segment witnessing a surge in demand in India.
Samir Gupta, Managing Director of Continental Tires India and Head of Central Region BA RE APAC, expressed enthusiasm about the positive response to their products during the Continental Track Day, saying “Continental Track Day was one of first events that provided an experiential of ours products – particularly the newly launched CrossContact (H/T) for passenger vehicles, and Intelligent Tyres for Commercial Vehicles. The response for our products has been great, and is in line with our expansion strategy for India.”
The CrossContact H/T’s multi-purpose tread pattern is designed to handle daily challenges encountered by passenger cars, crossovers, and SUVs, whether on asphalt or mild off-road terrain. Key features include a robust structure, grip teeth for additional traction on loose stones, strong tire shoulders to prevent damage, and a special tread for a comfortable and quiet ride.
Continental also highlighted its range of Intelligent Tyres, a part of Conti360 Digital Solutions. These Digital Solutions provide an end-to-end automated offering with sensors enabling 24×7 monitoring of tyres on the road. Customers can remotely and in real-time monitor their fleet’s tyre status to prevent downtime, ultimately enhancing road safety and reducing maintenance costs.
Equipped with sensors and designed for tubeless tires, Continental’s Intelligent Tyres offer benefits such as increased tire mileage, optimized fuel consumption in fleets, real-time monitoring with alerts for punctures or loss of air pressure, and data collection for analysis when the vehicle returns to the yard. ContiConnect, a part of the Conti360 suite, can be integrated with GPS to monitor fleet tire performance and receive alerts, contributing to reduced fuel spend, increased tire mileage, and enhanced vehicle safety.
