The new year will see all IC Bus models equipped with low-rolling resistance tires from Continental Tire as standard equipment. The tires comply with the new EPA greenhouse gas emissions regulation to improve fuel economy.
Low-rolling resistance tires join tire pressure monitoring systems, aerodynamic technologies, idle reduction and retrofits to make up the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards promulgated by NHTSA to save $1.7 trillion at the pump and to reduce U.S. consumption of oil by 12 billion barrels a day. The standards are in concert with EPA’s targeting of greenhouse gases.
The Lisle, Illinois-based truck and bus manufacturer announced a five-year supply deal with Continental for the standard tire, which extends to all International medium-duty, severe-service and heavy-duty trucks starting on Jan. 1. Continental low-rolling resistance tires are already standard on International Truck severe vocational trucks.
“Continental tires are well-regarded by customers in a wide range of applications and duty cycles throughout the commercial vehicle industry and we’re proud to make them the standard offering across our entire vehicle line-up,” said Bill Kozek, president of Navistar Truck and Parts. “Continental offers a full range of durable, low-rolling resistance tires that help drive fuel efficiency improvements and maximize uptime for our customers.”
In addition to increasing fuel economy, Continental said its low-rolling resistance tires verified by the EPA SmartWay Technology program deliver optimized wear resistance and ground pressure distribution for on-highway applications, such as school buses. Additionally, the low-rolling resistance tires offer durable casing designs, extra tough compounds, high-traction treads with self-cleaning characteristics, and deliver outstanding reliability.
Continental added that it also offers IC Bus customers ContiFleet roadside assistance, TruckFix Emergency Road Service Program, ContiTread retread products and services, and a network of more than 430 dealers across North America.
“We’re honored to be selected as the standard tire for International trucks and IC Bus school buses,” said Wes Garber, Director of Commercial OE Sales Continental Tire the Americas. “The performance characteristics of our tires will complement the strong performance of their vehicles.”
The Continental tire models are the HSR1 and HSR2. For the HC commercial bus, the tire specs are 225/70R19.5 LR G HSR1. For the CE school bus, the high volume bus, the tire specs are 11R22.5 LR H HSR2.
