At the 67th International Motor Show (IAA) Commercial Vehicles in Hanover Continental presented the design tyre Conti e.MotionPro, which was developed for the electric truck from MAN, the MAN CitE.
Conti Present Concept Tyre for MAN CitE
Continental’s tyre study combines a striking blue stripe on the sidewall with a hand-carved profile and blue groove bottoms on the tread. It fits perfectly into the modern design of the new MAN CitE.
Continental’s experts drafted and implemented the design of the Conti e.MotionPro based on the layout coordinated with MAN. During the production of the green tyre at the plant in Púchov (Slovakia), the sidewall shell was manufactured by hand and “pulse blue” paint applied to the sidewall while the tyre was heated. The custom-made profile was then created in a laborious robotic cutting process and refined by experienced tyre carvers in Stöcken, Hanover. At the same time, small rubber parts were pasted into the grooves by hand. Continental is one of the few tyre manufacturers that can manually produce individual designs in small quantities.
The MAN CitE is characterised by its ergonomic design with low entry, a consistently flatdriver’s cab floor and easy accessibility. In addition, the low seating position, large glass surfaces and supporting cameras give the driver and front passenger a clear view of the surrounding traffic. The brand new electric truck concept, which was developed in just 18 months, sets standards in terms of workplace ergonomics, safety and sustainability in urban delivery traffic.
Klaus Kreipe, Head of Original Equipment Truck Tires at Continental, explains the challenges in tyre development: “Electric vehicles can temporarily be fitted with conventional tyres. However, the new powertrains and the new vehicle concepts that are sometimes associated with them will change the requirements for commercial vehicle tyres. We are currently making use of partnerships to gain valuable experience for the development of tyres for electric trucks and buses.” Together with commercial vehicle manufacturers and municipal bus companies, Continental wants to develop tires with cutting-edge technologies for the start of production of electric vehicles, Kreipe announced.
