A new Continental website highlights the benefits of rolling resistance-optimised tyres for commercial vehicles. Backed by specific calculations, it shows how fleet operators can cut operating costs, save fuel, and boost both efficiency and sustainability.
Continental Launches Campaign for Fleet Customers: Rolling Resistance Becomes Increasingly Important
Continental has launched an information campaign for commercial vehicle fleets to raise awareness of the increasing importance of rolling resistance in commercial vehicle tyres. The initiative centres on a website with comprehensive information about rolling resistance-optimised tyres and their contribution to efficient, sustainable fleet operations.
“Our aim is to show that our broad tyre portfolio covers every application area for our customers,” says Kristina Kumme, Strategic Programme Manager at Continental.
Depending on the vehicle’s application profile, either a rolling resistance-optimised or a mileage-optimised tyre may be more economical.
“Many of our fleet customers choose mileage-optimised tyres out of habit, as they expect a longer service life thanks to the robust tread depth.”
It often remains unclear why commercial vehicle manufacturers are increasingly equipping vehicles with rolling resistance-optimised tyres. There is often a lack of insight into the advantages and specific properties of rolling resistance-optimised tyres in certain applications – especially since mileage optimisation has been the focus of development and application in the past.
The Right Tyre Choice Influences Operating Costs
The centrepiece of the information campaign is the website. There, Continental provides animated infographics, short videos, and relevant facts and figures on the topic of rolling resistance-optimised tyres. Figures like these surprise even industry experts: tyres account for only around two percent of the direct operating costs of a commercial vehicle fleet.
However, through their influence on fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and the calculation of toll charges, they can affect up to 31% of total operating costs. Internal calculations by Continental’s tyre developers show the magnitude of savings that fleets can achieve in terms of total cost of ownership (TCO) – provided that tyres are selected strategically and in line with requirements. The fifth-generation tyre lines are compared: Conti EfficientPro, Conti Eco, and Conti Hybrid – each in different application scenarios.
Rolling Resistance Is Becoming Increasingly Important
For a long time, fleet operators have focused primarily on mileage when choosing tyres to reduce costs.
“This continues to be justified for certain fleet requirements,” explains Kumme.
However, in view of stricter EU emission guidelines and the transformation of the logistics industry towards climate-friendly transport, rolling resistance is becoming increasingly relevant. Whether tyres optimised for rolling resistance or mileage make more sense for a fleet depends heavily on the application profile of the vehicles and the individual requirements.
“This is exactly where we come in. We show our fleet customers that we offer a diverse tyre portfolio with specific properties for different applications,” says Kumme.
“We provide concrete calculation examples and targeted information about the advantages of optimised rolling resistance.” Low rolling resistance contributes measurably to reducing fuel consumption – and thus to reducing operating costs and CO₂ emissions.”
Strategic Tyre Selection Depending on the Application
The specially designed website offers a high level of practical value with comparative calculations between the Conti Eco, Conti Hybrid, and Conti EfficientPro tyre lines. It clearly shows how vehicle use in regional or long-distance transport affects tyre performance and operating costs. All values are based on a 4×2 semi-trailer truck with a total weight of over 16 tonnes, an annual mileage of 120,000 kilometres, and a diesel price of €1.55 per litre.
“We determined the cost savings using the VECTO calculation tool and our LODC calculator,” explains Kumme. With the Lowest Overall Driving Costs (LODC) concept, fleet operators with a fleet of 150 vehicles can save over €300,000 in operating costs per year by choosing the right tyres.
“In addition, there is a reduction in CO₂ emissions thanks to fuel savings of up to 2,105 litres per vehicle per year,” adds Kumme.
Benefits of Digital Tyre Solutions
Continental’s holistic approach, which combines sustainability and cost-effectiveness, also includes digital tyre management solutions such as ContiConnect and retreaded truck tyres from the ContiLifeCycle. The company supplements its premium tyres with comprehensive services aimed at minimising downtime, reducing costs, and conserving resources.
The overall package also impresses customers such as Gerhard Pomberg, Logistics Manager at German waste management company Remondis.
“A digitalised fleet can be maintained proactively. This contributes effectively to CO₂ savings and resource conservation. We benefit from higher fleet efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and longer tyre mileage,” explains Kumme.
Climate Protection and Rolling Resistance
Climate protection, fuel consumption, and rolling resistance are directly related. Rolling resistance is a key lever for saving fuel, reducing operating costs, and reducing emissions. With its information initiative, Continental is specifically targeting fleet operators in the transport and logistics industry who want to reconcile economic efficiency and environmental goals.
“Tyres with optimised rolling resistance are particularly beneficial for our fleet customers because they significantly reduce fuel consumption and improve overall profitability,” concludes Kumme.
“They also contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions and help transport and logistics companies comply with the European Union’s strict environmental regulations and actively shape the transformation to low-emission logistics.”
