Continental’s Conti Urban HA 5 NXT won the 2026 International Busplaner Sustainability Award for combining sustainable materials, efficiency and smart tyre management for urban buses.
Conti Urban HA 5 NXT Wins 2026 Sustainability Award
The jury of the “International Busplaner Sustainability Award” has awarded the Conti Urban HA 5 NXT first place in the “Tyres and Tyre Management” category. The award recognises “innovative and sustainable vehicle models and components as well as services in the bus industry.” The jury presented the awards on the eve of the BUS2BUS trade fair. For Continental, this marks the fourth time the company has received this award since the prize was introduced.
Focus on Renewable and Recycled Materials
Up to 60% of the materials used in the Conti Urban HA 5 NXT are renewable, recycled, and ISCC mass-balance certified. ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) enables the traceability of renewable and recycled raw materials throughout the supply chain. An externally certified life cycle assessment shows an 11% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (externally verified) compared to the predecessor model, the Conti Urban HA 3. The materials used include natural rubber, renewable fillers, recycled synthetic rubber and rubber from mechanically processed end-of-life tyres.
Tyre Development Aligned with Urban Mobility Trends
The Conti Urban HA 5 NXT was developed to meet the demands of the key megatrends shaping urban public transport: urbanisation, electrification and digitalised fleet management. According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), new bus registrations in the EU continued to grow in 2025, with particularly strong momentum in major markets such as Germany and Poland.
At the same time, the share of electric bus registrations increased significantly, while the importance of conventional technologies continued to decline. Several European markets, such as Germany, Sweden and Belgium, recorded strong growth in electric bus registrations, underlining the accelerating transition.
Efficient Performance in Urban Traffic
A 25% reduction in rolling resistance compared to the previous generation supports energy-efficient electric bus operation and can enable up to 15% range gains. In addition, a newly developed tread compound delivers up to 15% higher mileage (as tested internally) than the Conti Urban HA 3. The tyre maintains an EU wet-grip label rating of B. A reinforced sidewall design improves resistance to kerb and impact damage in city traffic, while the optimised tread pattern enhances traction and reduces noise levels, enhancing passenger comfort.
Ready for Digital Tyre Management
The Conti Urban HA 5 NXT is fully compatible with Continental’s digital tyre management system ContiConnect. Using sensor technology, fleet operators can monitor tyre pressure, temperature and wear in real time, enabling proactive maintenance planning. This digital integration helps increase operational safety, reduce unplanned downtime and support cost-effective fleet management for urban bus operators.
A Relevant Award for the Bus Industry
Since its launch in 2013, the “International Busplaner Sustainability Award” has become one of the most established sustainability awards in the European bus and transport sector. It honours companies that successfully combine economic performance with environmental stewardship and social responsibility, contributing to the sustainable development of public transport.
[Photo/Image Credit: Continental]
