Continental has introduced a new generation of ContiConnect sensors that offer automated tyre tread depth measurements.

Fleet operators can now obtain precise, daily updated data on tyre wear, enabling them to plan maintenance and services more efficiently. The company claims this improves safety, efficiency, and sustainability while reducing costs and CO2 emissions.

The new tread depth measurement complements Continental’s existing ContiConnect solution portfolio, which includes tyre pressure, temperature, and mileage data. Continental will showcase these solutions at the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover from 17 to 22 September. The market launch is planned for the summer of 2025.

“Our new tyre sensor is a great all-rounder. It records tread depth accurately at all times, as well as tyre pressure, temperature and mileage. With ContiConnect, our customers can always keep an eye on the condition of their tyres and upcoming maintenance needs,” says Clarisa Doval, Head of Digital Solutions at Continental Tires. “We are the first to enter the market with a solution for measuring tread depth. In doing so, we are setting new standards. We offer our fleet customers an innovative technology that takes the efficiency and predictability of tyre services to a new level,” she adds.

The company will also introduce two new ContiConnect versions: Lite and Pro. ContiConnect Lite is a mobile app-based entry-level solution, while ContiConnect Pro offers a comprehensive digital tyre management solution.

ContiConnect Lite is a mobile app-based solution that provides basic tyre monitoring features. ContiConnect Pro offers a comprehensive solution with advanced features like automated warnings and recommendations.

Continental determines tread depth using new tyre sensors and AI-based algorithms. The sensors measure changes in radial acceleration, and the AI analyzes tyre specifications, mileage and vehicle-specific factors to predict tread depth and expected tyre mileage.

This data allows fleet managers to efficiently plan tyre maintenance and changes, reducing the need for manual inspections and avoiding unexpected downtime. This improves fleet safety, efficiency and sustainability.

“Changing a tyre too early results in unnecessary wear and higher costs. Changing it too late reduces safety and increases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Our solution – the combination of the sensor tread depth measurement and our predictive models – enables fleets to further increase their efficiency and their sustainability,” says Clarisa Doval.

ContiConnect is a key component of Continental’s “Lowest Overall Driving Costs” (LODC) consulting approach. Tyres significantly impact fuel, maintenance, and repair costs, which can account for up to 50 percent of total fleet operating costs. Continental added that premium tyres, data-based service management, and timely tyre checks could significantly reduce these costs.

Nexen Tire, a global leader in tyre manufacturing, has received approval from Škoda for its N'FERA Sport ultra-high-performance (UHP) flagship summer tyre to be used as original equipment for the new Škoda Karoq SUV.

The Karoq is ideally matched with N'FERA Sport in size 215/50R18 W XL tire, which was created especially for the European market and made in Europe. It offers improved handling and stability even at high speeds. The N'Fera Sport (size 225/40R18) is already recognised by the ADAC Summer test 2025 and earns a strong overall rating for driving safety, comfort and environmental performance. The ADAC rates it as having a very good rating among competitors due to its short braking distance from 100 kmph. It also outperforms the norm in aquaplaning and wet braking.

Edwin van der Stad, Vice President Europe Original Equipment at Nexen Tire, said, “We are thrilled to receive this homologation for the N’FERA Sport on the Škoda Karoq. As our flagship summer product, the N'FERA Sport represents the peak of our tyre technology, designed to deliver outstanding performance and safety. Achieving the most homologations among our products, it is a true testament to the tyre's quality and our dedication to excellence. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Škoda, enhancing the driving experience for their customers worldwide.”

Toyota Motor Corporation has selected Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd’s DUNLOP GRANDTREK H/T31 tyre as original equipment (OE) in Japan for its recently launched LEXUS GX550 SUV.

In addition to the dependability and durability that the GRANDTREK series has established, the GRANDTREK H/T31 aims for on-road performance. The product uses new tread rubber and a H/T (Highway Terrain) pattern to provide a high level of anti-wear performance, good fuel efficiency and quiet operation. In order to increase visibility and create a more opulent overall design appeal, the tyres also employ the Nano Black design method, which colours brand insignia on tyre sidewalls a darker shade of black.

With its powerful but economical engine and sturdy construction, the new GX550 offers exceptional driving performance. With its unique design, cutting-edge suspension and driving support system, and 18-inch tyres, the OVERTRAIL+ delivers both off-road and on-road performance. Toyota SUVs have long been equipped with DUNLOP's GRANDTREK line of tyres as standard equipment.

Lucid Motors has selected Hankook Tire’s EV-exclusive all-season tyre, the iON evo AS SUV, as original equipment (OE) for its all-new electric SUV, the Lucid Gravity, designed for the North American Market.

Through its partnership with Lucid Motors, Hankook Tire has unveiled the iON evo AS SUV as a high-performance all-season tyre designed especially for big electric SUVs. The tyre's next-generation compound design combines high-performance polymers, environmentally friendly components, and high-concentration silica to provide outstanding grip and improved mileage performance in a variety of driving circumstances throughout the year. Notably, the tyre's stiffness profile has been tuned to support the heavier EV battery packs while maintaining a consistent road contact pressure to improve driving stability.

Its tread shape also permits even wear, increasing the tyre's longevity. The tyres greatly reduce rolling resistance and efficiently reduce noise by carefully balancing the size and quantity of tread blocks. Drivers who want a dynamic driving experience may retain great energy economy thanks to this design's improvements.

The Lucid Gravity, a full-size, three-row SUV and Lucid Motors' second all-electric vehicle model, was just introduced in the US. The Lucid Gravity has a sleek body and an elegant interior. It has a range of more than 700 kilometres on a single charge, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds and produces up to 828 horsepower in Grand Touring configuration. Actual results will vary depending on temperature, driving behaviour, battery state and charging.

Firestone, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone), has launched the Firestone Affinity AS tyre, its latest touring tyre designed for mainstream sedans.

The Firestone Affinity AS tyre features a tread compound that safeguards against uneven and premature wear and comes with a limited warranty of up to 65,000 miles (approx. 104,607 km). It also helps limit road noise and vibration, while the unique tread pattern with diagonal and lateral sipes is designed to improve wet-weather traction and handling. Noise-silencing grooves in the tread pattern further help reduce noise and harshness while enhancing drivability.

An important addition to the Firestone touring collection, the Affinity AS tyre is positioned between the Firestone WeatherGrip and the entry-level all-season tyres. With no winter-specific certification, the Affinity AS tyre adds to Firestone's lineup and gives drivers who value consistent all-season performance another choice. Popular automobiles with rim widths ranging from 15 to 19 inches are designed to fit the Affinity AS tyre. At launch, there are nine fitments available. Throughout 2025, the 28 total fitments will be made available in a phased rollout. The Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Impala SEL are among the vehicles whose Affinity AS tyres fit the best.

Brad Robison, Director – Consumer Product Strategy, Bridgestone Americas, said, "Our new touring offering, the Affinity AS tyre, is designed to deliver confident handling, a quiet ride and long wear life for mainstream sedans. With impressive wet-weather grip and longevity, the Affinity AS tyre is built for the drivers who appreciate strong performance and good value.”