Continental introduces Conti Urban HA 5 for urban transportation

By Staff Report September 12, 2024 6:23 pm IST

Continental has launched the Conti Urban HA 5, a tire designed specifically for urban transportation. The tire addresses challenges faced by urban transport operators, such as varying road conditions, frequent stops, heavy traffic, and the increasing use of electric buses. 

Continental has launched the Conti Urban HA 5, the latest tire designed specifically for urban transportation. Urban transport operators face a multitude of challenges, including varying road conditions, frequent stops, heavy traffic, and the rising use of electric buses. Meeting these demands requires a tire that combines durability, safety, and efficiency. The electrification rate of urban bus fleets in the EU is steadily increasing. As of 2023, approximately 18 percent of new urban buses registered in the EU were electric, and this trend is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Electric buses pose unique tire challenges due to higher torque and weight compared to diesel-powered buses. The Conti Urban HA 5 addresses these with its robust construction and advanced materials.

“The Conti Urban HA 5 is a significant advancement in urban tire technology,” said Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Product Development EMEA at Continental. “We have designed a tire that meets the practical needs of our customers. The new tread pattern and multi-pitch technology enhance wet performance and reduce the perceived noise, contributing to a safer and more comfortable ride.”

The Conti Urban HA 5 tire is designed for urban bus fleets, offering improved tire longevity due to its enhanced tread cap and base compound, resulting in higher mileage and reduced tire replacement frequency. Fewer replacements mean lower overall costs for fleet operators, which is crucial in the high-demand, budget-conscious urban transport sector. By delivering high mileage, the tire also helps to reduce CO₂ emissions, making it both an economical and environmentally friendly option.

Fuel efficiency and reduced emissions are vital for sustainable urban operations. The Conti Urban HA 5 offers improved rolling resistance, which directly translates to better fuel efficiency. Lower rolling resistance reduces the energy required to move the vehicle, thus cutting down on fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Electric buses can significantly enhance fleet efficiency, extending battery life and decreasing charging frequency, making them a more beneficial option for transportation fleets.

The Conti Urban HA 5 tire boasts a robust tread pattern, improved rolling resistance, and excellent wet performance. Its multi-pitch technology reduces perceived noise, enhancing comfort for passengers and drivers. These features ensure a safer and more pleasant experience, even in challenging weather conditions. The tire has received an A rating for noise on the EU tire label, highlighting its superior performance.

Sustainable operations and digitalization

The Conti Urban HA 5 has been designed with sustainability in mind. The tire’s thick sidewall and robust compounds enhance durability following knocks against curbs and other obstacles. The tire’s design also supports retreading and recycling, extending its lifecycle and reducing the environmental impact.

Hinnerk Kaiser highlighted the sustainable aspects of the Conti Urban HA 5, stating, “The tire’s design ensures a high level of durability and supports our ContiLifeCycle concept, which extends its lifecycle and reduces environmental impact. By focussing on sustainability, we aim to help our customers achieve their environmental goals while maintaining high performance.”

When equipped with ContiConnect sensors, which are available as an optional feature, the Conti Urban HA 5 offers advanced digital tire monitoring, and its performance can be maximized. Fleet managers can access precise pressure and temperature data, enabling more efficient maintenance and reducing operational costs. The digital integration aids in predictive maintenance, preventing unexpected downtimes, and ensuring smooth and efficient fleet operations, especially in urban environments with busy schedules.

“The Conti Urban HA 5 has been developed with direct input from fleet managers and urban transport operators to address their most pressing needs,” added Kaiser. “These insights have highlighted the critical importance of several key performance areas: high mileage, low rolling resistance, and advanced digital monitoring capabilities.”

The label performance of the Conti Urban HA 5 is currently taxonomy eligible. This means it meets the latest EU regulations for sustainability and environmental impact.

The Conti Urban HA 5 will be available starting September 2024 in the following dimensions: 275/70 R 22.5. The following sizes will be launched at a later date: 245/70 R 19.5, 265/70 R 19.5, 315/60 R 22.5.