Continental Commercial Vehicles and Aftermarket and Continental Tire the Americas, LLC’s Commercial Vehicle Tire business unit will present a pavilion full of solutions for today’s technology focused trucking fleets and drivers at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) being held in Louisville, KY, March 22 to 24.
The Continental “Untamed Innovation” mobile tire exhibit will be the focal point and a landmark for MATS attendees searching for the latest tire technologies and aftermarket systems that drive their business and create opportunities for fuel savings, cost savings and regulatory compliance, says Clif Armstrong, Continental’s director of truck tire marketing in the Americas.
Surrounding the 83-foot mobile exhibit – which includes a Navistar International LoneStar tractor, movie theater and tire technologies laboratory with Continental truck tires – will be a number of interactive experiences that showcase the latest Continental tire and commercial vehicle products. The Continental pavilion will be located at booth #18252.
Solutions for trucking operations presented in the Continental pavilion will include:
The most fuel efficient combination of Continental truck tires available to market today. These include the new HSL2 Eco Plus (Heavy Steer Long-Haul) steer tire; the new HDL2 Eco Plus Wide Base (Heavy Drive Long-Haul) drive tire in super single size to replace duals; and the HTL1 (Heavy Trailer Long-Haul) trailer tire, also in super single. The weight reduction and lowered rolling resistance of these three tires, in combination, represents Continental’s most fuel efficient operation for long haul trucking, Armstrong says.
A look at Continental’s new “ContiGOODSCasing,” representing our third and most advanced generation of truck tire technologies. The new casing will be introduced with 2012 product launches and provides lower rolling resistance; a wider platform for increased mileage and deeper treads; and advanced capabilities for retreading through a more durable shoulder, bead and belt package. “Through the ContiGOODSCasing, fleets will enjoy simplified casing management, via one standard casing for all wheel positions in the goods segment, including both regional and long haul. The new ContiGOODSCasing also offers a standard width for retreading, allows for simpler management of this important cost savings process,” Armstrong says.
The ContiLifeCycle solution for cost savings over the life of a tire. Continental’s robust portfolio of new tires is complemented by flat precure tire products that have the same tread pattern and compounding for consistent performance. Whether the tire is OEM, replacement or into extended life as a retread, Continental tire customers can expect premium technologies and unmatched performance with the ContiLifeCycle, Armstrong says.
The introduction of “Axle,” the new mascot for Continental’s TrukFix emergency road service program for national accounts. The mascot’s name was chosen in a Facebook and online contest in the month of February. Miniature “Axle” mascots will be available at the pavilion, as well as information about the recent improvements to the program. TrukFix provides one-call access to Continental’s entire network of more than 1,000 dealers and points of sale and predictable, national pricing for tires and related services.
The world premiere of Continental’s new ContiPressureCheck, a tire pressure monitoring system for commercial vehicle tires. ContiPressureCheck integrates its sensors, communication system and data processor into a single module placed inside a rubber container and glued to the inner surface of the tire. “Compatible with all tire makes, the ContiPressureCheck system immediately detects any changes in air pressure or temperature, and sends warnings directly to the display in the driver’s cab to avoid a tire-related breakdown before it occurs,” says Armstrong.
The industry debut of the new VDO RoadLog Electronic On Board Recorder (EOBR), a simple, all-in-one solution for daily log book and other compliance reporting. RoadLog is designed to allow drivers and fleets to record and report Hours of Service (HOS) and other key compliance data quickly, easily and without monthly fees. It automatically tracks the driver’s on- and off-duty time and can provide an instant paper report of accurate daily log book data during road checks. VDO RoadLog can also record data for a variety of reports that can help make commercial vehicle operations safer and more efficient, including Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection (DVIR), International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and International Registration Plan (IRP).
A complete offering of world class instrumentation, senders, sensors and camera systems for a wide range of commercial vehicle aftermarket applications will also be on display, including the new and innovative line of VDO Viewline Instruments that offer a wide range of design freedom and feature easy, plug ’n play installation, VDO Cockpit International instruments, the standard in the industry for reliability and economy, VDO Series 1 instruments featuring standard US scales, edge-lit dials, and easy-to-read white numerals and pointers on black faces and the VDO Vision instrument line, which is designed to deliver world-class accuracy, reliability and technology at very competitive pricing. VDO sensors and senders are designed to be highly resistant to temperature, moisture, dirt and chemicals and they can be customized to meet specific application requirements. The VDO camera systems feature 7 in. color monitors (single and quad screen display) with cameras that offer normal/mirror modes, 100% waterproof housing, vibration resistance, and infrared LEDs for night vision. The VDO camera systems also meet all OEM specifications.
“From OE quality replacement parts to products that enhance safety and profitability, we are delighted to be able to deliver a broad range of aftermarket solutions that fleets and independent operators can use to keep their commercial vehicles on the road and operating efficiently,” says Phil McEwen, director of sales, Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket Business Unit, NAFTA.
The exciting Continental pavilion will have detailed information and product demonstrations for each of these solutions, as well as Continental’s ContiTireFinder, ContiCostCalculator and rolling resistance technologies which are located inside the Untamed Innovation laboratory, Armstrong says.
“We’re excited about taking this incredible suite of products all together on the road at one time, to create a ‘one-stop’ environment for owner-operators and fleets alike at Mid-America,” Armstrong explains. “As one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, Continental can provide technologies of the future that help trucking operations with their needs for fuel savings, cost reduction strategies, regulatory compliance and much more. Not only are we an industry leader in premium truck tires, but with our sister companies, we serve as a true resource for everything that the cost-conscious, technology-focused trucking operator needs.”
