The Continental UltraContact NXT tyre has been honoured with the prestigious "Gold" award in the "Automotive & Transport / Cars Accessories" category at the International Design Awards (IDA) 2023. This accolade recognises the tyre's innovative design and its contribution towards environmental sustainability, marking it as Continental's most sustainable series tyre to date.
The UltraContact NXT stands out with its composition of 65 percent renewable, recycled, and ISCC PLUS mass balance-certified materials, setting a new benchmark in the tyre industry for environmental responsibility. Stefan Rittweger, Industrial Designer at Continental Tires, shared the vision behind the design, stating, "Our design vision was to visually represent the tyre's sustainable mission." The tyre features a unique sidewall design employing 3D and depth effects to showcase a leaf symbol, underlining its eco-friendly message.
Beyond its visual appeal, the UltraContact NXT excels in functionality. Its tread design is optimised for technical performance while also embodying the product's reliability and environmental ethos. "Design and technology are perfectly coordinated," Rittweger explained, highlighting how the tyre's design supports outstanding abrasion behavior and safety features.
The new summer tyre combines its sustainable materials with unparalleled safety and performance standards. Achieving the top rating in the EU tyre label across rolling resistance, wet braking, and exterior noise categories, the UltraContact NXT is a testament to Continental's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company aims to incorporate more than 40 percent renewable and recycled content in its tyres by 2030, aligning with its Vision 2030 strategy to become the most progressive tyre manufacturer.
The IDA has been celebrating innovative design since 2007, with categories spanning architecture, interior design, product design, graphic design, and fashion. The awards jury, comprising experts from various design disciplines, evaluates submissions based on innovation, aesthetics, functionality, and ecological compatibility. This year, the IDA saw thousands of entries from nearly 80 countries, highlighting the global reach and significance of the awards.
The UltraContact NXT's win at the International Design Awards 2023 not only marks a milestone for Continental but also signifies the automotive industry's evolving focus on sustainability and eco-friendly innovations.
