By Denna Bowman

Continental has bagged a coveted award for ‘Best Winter Tyre’ from one of the UK’s leading motoring magazines.

Auto Express singled out the ContiWinterContact TS830P tyres for the top spot in its 2012 Product awards.

The accolade comes as a direct result of Continental’s win in the 2011 Auto Express winter tyre test. In its second year, Auto Express tested the best of the best in the winter tyre market, revealing the top performers for the winter season from a series of stringent tests made in Northern Sweden.

Auto Express commented on the TS830P: “Consistently good performances earn Continental our winter tyre crown. Great all round performance with no weaknesses, sees off winter rivals and takes the win.”

Peter Robb, brand manager at Continental, added: “This additional win for the ContiWinterContact TS830P is an excellent endorsement for our product range and comes at a time of growing awareness of the need for winter tyres within the UK market.”

With one in every three cars in Europe now fitted with Continental tyres, the ContiWinterContact TS830P is a popular choice for drivers who want the highest levels of winter safety without compromising performance.

By Denna Bowman

Continental has been awarded ‘Best Buy’ status for two of its ContiPremiumContact 5 and ContiEcoContact 5 tyres by Which?

The consumer champion’s endorsements were achieved for two different tyres sizes, 165/70 R14T and 205/55 R16V, and are seen as an important indicator for motorists looking for the best product available.

Which? tested 26 tyres in two sizes, including 12 different brands in size 165/70 R14T and 14 in 205/55 R16V, adding; “Continental has been very successful with its two new tyres, topping the table in both our test sizes.”

Taking top honours following its recent launch, the ContiPremiumContact 5 has been awarded best buy status for one of the most popular sizes in the market, the 205/55 R16W commonly fitted to medium cars such as the BMW 1 Series, Ford Focus and VW Passat.

While the ContiPremiumContact 5 beat off competition to take top spot with an overall rating of 70%.

Jonathan Hayter, product manager for Continental, said: “This is another great endorsement for Continental.

“Both the ContiPremiumContact 5 and ContiEcoContact 5 deliver outstanding performance and give motorists greater safety when it is most needed.

“The ContiEcoContact 5 delivers reduced CO2 emissions and 20% better rolling resistance than its predecessor, thanks to the functionalised polymer chains.

“While our newly launched ContiPremiumContact 5 builds on the success of its predecessor, delivering exceptional all round braking performance.”

By Denna Bowman

Motorists can save money at the pumps by switching to fuel-efficient tyres, according to tests by Which?

With fuel prices at a record high, the Which? report reveals that ‘eco’ tyres could help drivers save 6 per cent by enabling vehicles acheive more miles per gallon (mpg).

According to the Which? report: “In our latest tyre tests, one of the sizes we assessed was 205/55 R16V - one of the UK’s most widely fitted tyre sizes.

“The tyres which came top for fuel economy were the Pirelli Cinturato P7s and the Hankook Kinergy Eco K425, which both beat big names like the Continental PremiumContact 5, Goodyear OptiGrip and Bridgestone Turanza T001 for rolling resistance.

“In fact, fitted to a car returning 40mpg, either the Pirelli or the Hankook would give you an extra 2.4mpg (around 6%) compared with the worst tyre in our test for rolling resistance, the Nexen N8000. That equates to around £50 a year at today’s record fuel prices.”

To find out more go to http://www.which.co.uk/news/2012/04/eco-tyres-are-the-key-to-saving-fuel-282614/#ixzz1r4csPEIQ

By Denna Bowman

Women are challenging the traditional stereo-type that research and development in the automotive industry is a man’s world.

Continental tyres has just revealed that six out of the 11 new recruits on its Explore Tyres Research and Development trainee programme are female.

The new trainees, who come from six different countries, will work through different areas of R&D, production and marketing as part of the programme.

Geert Roik, head of Research & Development Commercial Vehicle Tyres at Continental, explained: “Research and development, particularly in the motor industry, is often an exclusively man’s world. In reality, things are very different today at Continental.

“Over the business year just ended, more than one third of the new appointments in tyre development were women.

“We have also noticed a growing number of women joining our international training programme in tyre research and development. In general, we do aim for a balanced ratio of male and female candidates for these programmes.

“The course year that began on March 1 gives a clear sign with a more than fifty percent share of women. This shows the high standard of specialist qualifications among female candidates.”

By Denna Bowman

Continental tyres dominated the summer tyres test carried out by two leading motoring associations.

The latest tests produced by German motoring association ADAC, in partnership with OAMTC (the Austrian equivalent) pitted fifteen 165/70 R14, fifteen more 205/55 R16 V and seven 215/55 R16 H SUV tyres against each other.

Although the 205/55 R16 test was a three-way tie between the ContiPremiumContact 5, the Goodyear Optigrip and the Dunlop SP Sport FastResponse, the German Hannover-based automotive supplier was the only tyre manufacturer to produce products placing first in all three tests, according to Tyres and Accessories.

The 165/70 R14T test demonstrated the strengths of Continental’s ContiEcoContact 5 as it topped almost all of the dry, wet, noise and tread wear categories that were ranked with an overall score of 1.9 (the lower the score the better).

Michelin’s Energy Saver came a close second, with 2.0 and Pirelli’s Cinturato P1 slipped into third place with a score of 2.2.

Continental is building on its current range of tyres specifically designed for the 4×4 market with the launch of the ContiSportContact 5 SUV.

It offers ‘Unlimited driving fun thanks to excellent grip’ according to the tyres manufacturer.

The new tyre was developed to be equally suitable for sporty cars and SUVs with sporty driving characteristics.

According to Conti: “With this new development, the tyre engineers have made significant progress in comparison to the popular predecessor ContiSportContact 3:

Shorter braking distances in all weather conditions

Excellent road grip and safety when cornering

Reduced fuel consumption and high mileage

“This was made possible due to a new compound which focuses on maximum power transmission and provides low rolling resistance whilst driving normally. This rubber compound which carries the name “BlackChilli” uses the various vibrations of the tyre.”

The ContiSportContact 5 is available in a range of sizes from 17 inch upwards for cars and 18 inch upwards for SUV.

Denna Bowman, Head Office

By Denna Bowman

Outspoken Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has been voted the worst person to share a driving adventure with, in a poll organised by Continental Tyres.

The tyres giant quizzed 2,000 motorists about which celebrity they would least like to share a 4×4 drive across the Sahara Desert with.

Clarkson was closely followed by ex-glamour model Katie Price with the Prime Minister David Cameron in third place.

At the other end of the scale, the most popular choice among men if a co-driver were to be female would be Kelly Brook, who has a quite different set of attributes.

The women who took the survey voted for Robert Pattinson as their preferred choice of co-driver.

The ‘research’ was conducted as part of the launch of the Conti 4×4 Trophy, where people compete for a place on an epic off-road challenge; driving a Hummer through the Sahara.

Tim Bailey, spokesperson for Continental Tyres, said: “Driving thousands of miles through the Atlas Mountains and the fiery sands of the Sahara Desert makes your choice of co-driver incredibly important. It’s a long, tough and often dangerous journey.

“Jeremy Clarkson might have motoring credentials but either his calamitous road trips on Top Gear his lack of practical skills or his outspoken views mean most people would leave him behind.”

Top ten worst celebs to go on driving adventure with:

1. Jeremy Clarkson

2. Katie Price

3. David Cameron

4. Kate Moss

5. Carol Vorderman

6. Christine Bleakley

7. Nick Clegg

8. Madonna

9. Simon Cowell

10. Lewis Hamilton

At the other end of the scale, the most popular choice among men if a co-driver were to be female would be Kelly Brook, who has a quite different set of attributes.

The women who took the survey voted for Robert Pattinson as their preferred choice of co-driver.

The ‘research’ was conducted as part of the launch of the Conti 4×4 Trophy, where people compete for a place on an epic off-road challenge; driving a Hummer through the Sahara.

Tim Bailey, spokesperson for Continental Tyres, said: “Driving thousands of miles through the Atlas Mountains and the fiery sands of the Sahara Desert makes your choice of co-driver incredibly important. It’s a long, tough and often dangerous journey.

“Jeremy Clarkson might have motoring credentials but either his calamitous road trips on Top Gear his lack of practical skills or his outspoken views mean most people would leave him behind.”

Top ten worst celebs to go on driving adventure with:

1. Jeremy Clarkson

2. Katie Price

3. David Cameron

4. Kate Moss

5. Carol Vorderman

6. Christine Bleakley

7. Nick Clegg

8. Madonna

9. Simon Cowell

10. Lewis Hamilton

By Denna Bowman

Continental has taken the coveted top spot in evo magazine’s third annual tyres test.

The ContiSportContact3 was lavished with praise in the monthly car mag’s performance tyres test, featured in February’s issue.

The test highlights exceptional performance across areas such as wet and dry handling, aquaplaning and braking.

Seen within the motoring industry as a stamp of approval for the best performance tyre, evo described Continental’s win as “an impressively complete performance”.

Fitted across a wide range of models throughout the market, evo tested the 225/40 R18 from a range of competitor brands, with the majority of testing taking place at the extensive facilities of the MIRA proving ground.

The title praised the Continental’s abilities across areas such as wet handling and braking, taking top spot in both categories. On Continental’s wet handling evo commented: “‘Masterful’, we said of the Continental. There were some great performances on the wet circuit but the Conti still stood out, setting the fastest lap time, recording the highest lateral G, and scoring the highest subjective mark, too-it wasn’t bettered.”

The title went on to heap further praise on the ContiSportContact3 and its breadth of abilities, adding: “Especially impressive was its stability-It barely acknowledged puddles that were registered by its closest rivals, and its traction was superb. ‘Amazingly surefooted and grippy; the limit is your nerve.’”

Jonathan Hayter, product manager at Continental, said; “This additional win for the ContiSportContact3 is an excellent endorsement for our product range. The ultra high performance tyre has proven its worth yet again next to competitor products and has displayed its prowess in a number of disciplines including wet handling and braking.”

By Denna Bowman

A survey by Continental tyres has revealed that 14 per cent of UK commuters car-share.

According to the study carried out for the tyres manufacturer, the environmental impact of motoring is the fourth most important consideration when commuters plan their journey to work.

The biggest concern that prompted people to find an alternative was the volume of traffic and the lack of available parking.

Half of all Brits say they will leave their car at home if fuel costs rise further, however 45 per cent of those using public transport now would switch to their car if petrol prices drop.

Tim Bailey, head of safety at Continental tyres, said: “What is clear is that people still appreciate the freedom and flexibility of driving and that sets a challenge and an opportunity for manufacturers.

“Three-quarters of us want more fuel efficient cars and nearly half would consider buying a hybrid motor.

“Car makers have invested considerable time and effort into technologies for bio-diesel engines and electric powered vehicles and as a result these are becoming a more popular consideration.

“Continental is also making significant investment in fuel efficient tyres for cars and is now developing new designs specifically for electric vehicles”.

The study of 2,000 motorists for established the routine and habits of commuters as well as their preferences.

It revealed that commuters will spend 58 working weeks - more than a year of their lives - sitting in traffic as part of their daily journey to work.

The survey also claimed that just over half, 51 per cent, of the respondents identified negative ways in which their commute affected their performance at work citing issues like feeling stressed and lacking energy due to delays.

Continental describe it as an ‘honour’ that its winter tyres have been awarded Best Buy status by consumer champion Which?

The ContiWinterContact TS830 and TS800 tyres made their mark in the Which? winter tyre test which put a wide range of tyre brands across six of the most popular sizes on the market through their paces.

Fitted to popular models such as the VW Golf, Renault Laguna and Vauxhall Zafira, the ContiWinterContact TS830 in size 205/55 R16 was praised across a range of areas, beating its competitors with an overall rating of 72%. Its grip on ice and performance in dry conditions was also praised.

Which? Car commented: “The ContiWinterContact TS830 offers first-rate grip on snow and is class leader for grip and handling in wet conditions too.”

The consumer title also recognised the ContiWinterContact TS800 in size 175/65 R14T. Commonly fitted to popular superminis such as the Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, Which? Car awarded a test score of 75%. The TS800 was praised for its performance in conventional wet and dry conditions, as well as its wear rate.

Which? Car added: “This Continental is a class-leading tyre, with its grip on snow second to none, it is also the most fuel efficient tyre in the batch.”

Peter Robb, brand manager at Continental, said; “Although widely fitted across Europe, there is a huge lack of awareness in the UK about winter tyres. These latest accolades are testimony to the overall high performance and safety of both the TS830 and TS800.

“It’s a real honour to be recognised in these independent tests by a leading consumer magazine.”

Which? also directed motorists to etyres when they need to buy new tyres.

Denna Bowman, Head Office