As rising costs and environmental demands reshape the transport sector, Continental is putting a sharper focus on helping fleet operators manage their total cost of ownership (TCO) — without losing sight of sustainability goals.
According to its “The Future of Fleets” study, published in late 2024, 76 percent of European fleet managers identify cost pressures as their biggest challenge. Economic uncertainties (46 percent) and the push to reduce CO2 emissions (40 percent) also weigh heavily on operational decisions.
In response, Continental is offering tyre solutions designed to reduce fuel consumption, cut emissions, and support the shift to electric vehicles — while ensuring cost-effectiveness over the tyre’s lifespan.
Tyres with lower rolling resistance play a central role in this strategy. As Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Product Development Bus and Truck Tyres EMEA at Continental, explains:
“For fleets with diesel vehicles, our TCO calculation shows that a tyre with optimised rolling resistance and lower mileage can be the more efficient product.”
The latest generation of Continental’s Conti Eco tyre — the Conti Eco 5 — aims to bridge the historic trade-off between low rolling resistance and long mileage.
Kaiser highlights the progress:
“We are talking about an improvement of up to twelve percent in rolling resistance and up to ten percent in mileage compared to the previous model.”
Continental estimates that a fleet of 100 trucks fitted with Conti Eco HS 5/HD 5 tyres — rather than older EcoRegional HS 3+/HD 3+ models — could save up to €69,000 in diesel costs and cut 120 metric tonnes of CO2 annually, based on 80,000 km per vehicle per year in regional transport.
Tyres that can be retreaded are another key area of cost reduction. Continental’s ContiLifeCycle programme has been in place for years and continues to gain relevance.
Kaiser states:
“Retreaded tyres are about 40 percent cheaper than new tyres – with the same safety and mileage. What’s more, we use around 70 percent less material than for a new tyre.”
Retreading a casing twice – replacing both sidewall and tread – offers the potential for three full tyre lives, saving up to €600 compared to purchasing three new tyres.
Rolling resistance is also a key factor for electric trucks and buses. According to Leo Kolodziej, Head of OE Truck Tyres at Continental:
“Particularly for suppliers of electric vehicles, rolling resistance is the determining factor when selecting tyres. It impacts energy consumption and in turn influences the TCO.”
With charging infrastructure still uneven across Europe, increasing vehicle range is essential. Tyres with low rolling resistance can play a significant role in that equation.
Kolodziej notes that robust tyre construction remains important for electric commercial vehicles, given the increased weight of battery packs and the additional stress from regenerative braking. Continental is also working with manufacturers to optimise tyre noise and comfort.
“We are seeing growing interest in expert dialog among vehicle manufacturers and are doing a lot of joint testing,” Kolodziej says.
Despite short-term uncertainties, both the industry and regulators continue to move toward zero-emission freight.
Continental’s fleet study found that 65 percent of fleet managers have already invested in or are planning to invest in alternative drives. Meanwhile, 61 percent are prioritising fuel or energy savings over the next five years.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) also predicts a rapid shift. In its “Vision 2050” update, the ICCT forecasts that battery-electric trucks will become the most cost-effective option by 2030 in most vehicle classes — and by as early as 2025/26 for heavy-duty long-haul trucks.
Continental’s recent developments suggest the tyre maker is positioning itself to help fleets navigate both the economic and environmental pressures reshaping the transport industry — whether diesel-powered or fully electric.
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