National Press Release

LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Tire North America, Inc. (CTNA) today unveiled the next generation of new truck tires during the Mid-America Trucking Show. The all-new entrants to Continental's strong tire line-up include the latest technology designed to improve fuel efficiency and extend tire mileage.

"Continental is offering truck fleets outstanding new products that meet their needs; from steer tires, to drive tires, to trailer tires," said Clif Armstrong, commercial vehicle tire marketing director for Continental Tire - The Americas. "We listened to our customers and used their feedback to create tires that maximize the efficiency of their operations and offer them the lowest overall driving costs."

HSR2

Leading the charge for the new Continental line-up is the redesigned regional steer tire, the HSR2, which replaces Continental's best-selling HSR, introduced in 2002. Produced in Continental's Mt. Vernon, Ill. award-winning manufacturing plant, the HSR2 (Heavy Steer Regional) is set to maintain Continental's industry benchmark in the regional steer application. The updated tread compound is designed to increase mileage by 15 percent over the current HSR.

Key features of the HSR2 include:

    --  23/32" deep and improved cut and chip-resistant tread compound for
        optimal performance
    --  Patented groove geometry for better resistance to cracking and tearing
    --  Improved curb rib for sidewall stability
    --  Visual Alignment Indicator (VAI) alerts users to vehicle alignment
        problems
    --  Patented stone ejection system, developed for longer casing life

HDL2 DL

Continental's all-new HDL2 DL (Heavy Drive Long-Haul Deep Lug) over-the-highway long haul drive tire sports a full inch of tread depth. The design of this tire offers attractive wear and removal miles characteristics. Key features of the HDL2 DL include:

    --  32/32" tread depth for optimized mileage and low cost per mile
    --  Wider tread width for better wear and improved removal miles
    --  Wider casing means increased handling stability
    --  Patented stone ejection system, developed for longer casing life
    --  Produced in Mt. Vernon, Ill.

HTL Eco Plus

Trailer tires contribute 42 percent of the rolling resistance of all the tires on a typical long haul truck. That's why Continental engineers were intent upon making the HTL Eco Plus (Heavy Trailer Long-Haul) one of the most fuel-efficient trailer tires possible.

This new tire improves fuel economy by 10 percent while tread depth increases by 3 percent.

Key features of the HTL Eco Plus include:

    --  13/32" tread depth minimizes squirm and irregular wear
    --  Stone ejection system reduces stone retention and casing penetrations
    --  Scuff ribs protect sidewall from curbing and cutting
    --  Visual Alignment Indicator (VAI) alerts users to vehicle alignment
        problems
    --  Produced in Mt. Vernon, Ill.

HSU2

Waste haulers and construction fleet owners will welcome the new HSU2 (Heavy Steer Urban) as a tire that offers maximum life through its 8 percent deeper tread and 17 percent increased tread volume, putting more "rubber on the road."

Key features of the HSU2 include:

    --  26/32" deep rib design to provide increased tread life and high
        removal miles
    --  Cut and tear resistant tread compound to provide excellent wear in both
        high scrub and on/off road applications
    --  Enhanced bead design enables 10,000 pound capacity at 65 mph.
    --  Visual Alignment Indicator (VAI) alerts users to vehicle alignment 
        problems
    --  Produced in Mt. Vernon, Ill.

HTL1

This wide-based super single tire is designed to replace two trailer tires. The HTL1 (Heavy Trailer Long-Haul) features 13/32" tread depth that minimizes irregular wear and maximizes fuel efficiency.

Key features of the HTL1 include:

    --  Shoulder defense groove provides protection against rapid shoulder wear
    --  Unique pyramid stone bumper/ejection system to reduce stone retention
        and casing penetrations
    --  Scuff ribs protect sidewall from curbing and cutting

"These five new tires demonstrate Continental's commitment to the commercial vehicle tire business," Armstrong said. "We now have the newest, most technologically advanced tires available in the market today for every key segment. In the next few weeks, we'll be releasing more details on each of these great new tires."

SOURCE Continental Tire North America, Inc.