Continental Increases Load Capacity to HDL2 D2 Tire

Continental Tire the Americas has just announced that its HDL2 DL (Heavy Drive Long Haul, Deep Lug) tire has been improved to provide increased load capacity. The tire was introduced in 2009 but starting with January 2010, the range includes an offering of load range H in the 11R22.5 size.

The upgrade allows the tire to carry up to an additional 435 pounds (that's around 197 kilos) of load in a single fitment.

The tire is manufactured by Continental’s award-winning Mount Vernon, Ill. plant and is said to provide advanced traction in both wet and dry conditions while resisting irregular wear. "An innovative lug angle provides outstanding traction throughout the life of the original tire, and a wider casing increases handling stability," Continental said in a statement.

Aside from the tire market, Continental is also planning to step in the turbocharging market, with production of this particular parts to begin in late 2011. The output figure for the part should reach 2 million units by 2014. The turbo will equip gasoline engines and will be featured on a mainstream car underpinned by a European platform.

"Turbocharging gasoline engines is becoming ever more important since it is the only way to achieve the downsizing of engines that is essential to the reduction of fuel consumption," Peter Gutzmer, Continental's head of the engine systems in the company's powertrain division, told Autonews earlier this month when talking about the company's plans to expand the business in yet unexplored sides of the market.