Continental is building on its commitment to sustainable transport with the release of two new Generation 5 tyre models and an expanded focus on circular economy principles through its ContiLifeCycle strategy.
Launched in 2024, the Conti Urban HA 5 for urban buses and the Conti Eco Gen 5 for long-distance and regional haulage have been developed with durability, cost-efficiency, and digital fleet integration in mind. Both tyres feature optimised rolling resistance and longer lifespan without compromising retreadability—a key element in Continental’s cradle-to-grave tyre strategy.
Each Gen 5 tyre now comes equipped with an RFID chip and is compatible with ContiConnect, Continental’s digital tyre management system. Fleet operators also have the option of fitting factory-installed sensors, offering a more data-driven approach to tyre health monitoring and lifecycle optimisation.
“One of the standout characteristics of the Conti Eco Gen 5 is the improvement in the casing’s rolling resistance that has been achieved by redeveloping compound and structural elements,” said Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Product Development EMEA at Continental.
“The casing is reusable, allowing the tyre to have a second or even a third life. Retreaded tyres will also benefit from the optimised compounds and their improved rolling resistance."
Kaiser also positioned the Eco Gen 5 as a key contributor to fleet sustainability and cost management:
“We therefore consider ourselves to be the benchmark for total cost of ownership (TCO) and CO₂ in the regional segment and a pioneering force in the transition to a more sustainable transport industry. The new tyre has a significant impact on fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, and makes it possible for all fleets to make fuel savings.”
For bus fleets operating in dense urban areas, the Conti Urban HA 5 addresses the unique wear demands of electric vehicles, which tend to be heavier and deliver more torque than traditional diesel-powered buses. With a reinforced sidewall and a robust compound, the tyre is engineered to resist damage from kerbs and urban obstacles.
Continental’s updates also reinforce the role of its ContiLifeCycle strategy, which integrates new tyre development with casing management and retreading. As part of the Conti360° Solutions business area, it supports the tyre’s reusability, reduces waste, and cuts long-term operating costs.
The initiative aligns with wider sustainability goals in the commercial transport sector, offering fleet operators a way to reduce environmental impact while improving efficiency and bottom-line performance.
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