06/04/2008 Hanover, May 2008. There is not enough transparency with regard to the cost of tires – from the initial purchase to usage costs to replacement. If tires with a higher purchase price actually cost-efficient, how do the cheaper tires compare? The industrial tires sector of Continental AG has designed a computer simulation tool that calculates the efficiency of an industrial tire on the basis of purchase price, mileage, rolling resistance, energy consumption and service. The “cost of ownership” simulation tool for industrial solid tires ensures complete cost transparency.

It would be too superficial just to look at the purchase price. After all, this one aspect by no means reflects the total costs. In general, money can be saved with industrial tires that are manufactured in accordance with the strictest quality standards, that score top marks with regard to energy consumption and mileage, and that have a low incidence of blow-outs and punctures.

For this reason, Continental’s industrial tires cannot be judged by the purchase price alone. Their cost effectiveness can only be calculated properly if their “cost of ownership” is compared with that of competitor tires. The higher mileage of Conti tires minimises the time when the vehicle is not in use. The lower rolling resistance reduces energy consumption – it is estimated that up to 800 € can be saved over the lifetime of a set of four solid tires, and as a consequence, the CO₂ emissions can be significantly reduced.

In the interests of producing a clear calculation of the total costs of an industrial tire, Continental AG’s industrial tire division is introducing a calculating tool which will help to determine the lifecycle cost of the tires. This tool allows individual entries and comparative calculations to be made. At the end it is often a complete surprise: Generally stated, the product that appears to be the most expensive is often the cheaper option for the user.

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Continental is the only tire manufacturer to supply a comprehensive range of industrial tires, making it the No. 1 in Germany and Europe, and one of the top three worldwide.

With targeted annual sales of more than €26.4 billion in 2008, the Continental Corporation is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, powertrain and chassis sys­tems and components, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and engi­neering elastomers, the corporation contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protec­tion. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. The corporation currently employs approximately 150,000 people at more than 200 locations in 36 countries.

The Commercial Vehicle Tires division, which designs, produces and supplies lorry, bus and industrial tires worldwide, and employs more than 8,000 people, achieved a turnover of approximately €1.5 billion in 2007. The tire divisions are an Official Sponsor of UEFA EURO 2008^TM, which will be held in Austria and Switzerland in June 2008. For further details, visit the websites www.ContiSoccerWorld.de, www.ContiFanWorld.com and www.conti-online.com.