Press release
General Tire: Winter tires for discerning drivers
Portfolio includes winter tires for cars and SUVs, special models available for Nordic countries
Hanover, Germany / Fort Mill, USA, February 18, 2015. Over recent years, General Tire has further expanded its range of winter tires for cars and SUVs. The current portfolio offers a choice of five models, two of which are studdable for use in Nordic countries, and one is a soft compound tire, also developed for Nordic markets. As a result, General Tire can equip a wide variety of vehicles with winter tires designed to meet the needs of European drivers who want specific solutions for their different regional needs. These winter specialists from General Tire feature not only M+S labeling but also the “Snowflake-on-the-Mountain” symbol, indicating that these winter tires have proven their suitability in a special test.
The Snow Grabber – the studdable SUV winter specialist
The Snow Grabber has been developed with the latest requirements of European and Asian SUV manufacturers in mind. That includes production of “extra-load” models with a higher load-bearing capacity, and a tire design that takes account of the higher center of gravity of SUV models. The Snow Grabber has been developed for best possible safety in all winter conditions and combines high cornering stability with high traction. As a result, this tire delivers precision handling and short braking distances – as well as unlimited driving pleasure on snow, gentle off-road terrain and icy roads. Along with the normal tire there is also a studdable version and General Tire offers a total of 26 sizes. The Snow Grabber is available for rims between 15 and 19 inches with aspect ratios of between 70 and 50 percent and widths of between 205 and 255 millimeters. Depending on the size, these tires are approved for speeds of up to 240 km/h.
The Altimax Winter Plus – the true expert for the winter
The Altimax Winter Plus is a genuine all-round performer for compact to mid-range cars. The ‘zig-zag’ sipes in the tread blocks offer a high number of edges which, combined with wide longitudinal and lateral grooves, make for added grip on snow and ice, while also ensuring the rapid dispersion of water from beneath the contact patch. Altimax Winter Plus tires are available in 24 sizes for rims between 13 and 17 inches with aspect ratios of between 80 and 45 percent and widths of between 155 and 225 millimeters. Depending on the version, they
are approved for speeds of up to 240 km/h.
The Altimax Nordic – the soft-compound tire especially for the Nordic countries
The Altimax Nordic tire is based on a compound that retains its flexibility in the cold and is designed for use in Scandinavia, Russia and the Baltic States. Even at low temperatures, it reliably transfers the dynamic forces to snow-covered and icy roads. Its asymmetrical tread with a large number sipes and block edges optimizes traction, braking performance and directional stability. The Altimax Nordic is designed for compact to mid-range cars, while two of the 12 sizes in the portfolio are also suitable for vans. General Tire manufactures these winter tires for rims between 14 and 17 inches, with aspect ratios of between 65 and 45 percent and in widths between 175 and 225 millimeters. Depending on the size, the Altimax Nordic is approved for speeds of up to 190 km/h.
The Altimax Arctic – the studdable tire for Arctic conditions
The Altimax Arctic tire is designed for highest demands at the lowest temperatures. The high number of sipes and edges on the tread make for reliable grip. This tire is studdable for maximum traction, with a computer-optimized stud pattern on the tread. As a result, it ensures maximum grip on ice and snow as well as increased ride comfort due to low tire-road noise. This specialist for Arctic conditions is available in ten sizes for rims between 14 and 16 inches and in widths from 175 to 215 millimeters. Like many studded tires for Nordic conditions it is approved for speeds of up to 160 km/h.
Founded in 1915, General Tire now based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, can look back on a proud heritage. Since the early days, the brand has been making tires for all kinds of motor vehicles. The company was acquired by Continental in 1987. Today, operating worldwide, General Tire manu-factures tires for cars, trucks and industrial applications, as well as specialty tires for 4x4 vehicles.
Continental AG
Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated preliminary sales of approximately €34.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tire, and ContiTech. Continental employs approximately 190,000 people in 49 countries.
Tire Division
The Tire Division currently has 24 production and development locations worldwide. The broad product range and continuous investments in R&D make a major contribution to cost-effective and ecologically efficient mobility. As one of the world's leading tire manufacturers with more than 44,000 employees, the Tire Division achieved sales of €9.6 billion in 2013.
Passenger and Light Truck Tires
Continental is one of the leading manufacturers of passenger and light truck tires in Europe and the world's fourth largest passenger tire manufacturer in the original equipment and replacement market. The product development focus of the Continental premium brand is to optimize all safety-relevant characteristics, while simultaneously minimizing rolling resistance.
Sponsorship
Continental's Tire division is an official sponsor of the German DFB Cup, Major League Soccer in the US and Canada, and UEFA EURO 2016TM in France.
Media Database
Alexander Bahlmann
Head of PR, Passenger and Light Truck Tires
Continental AG
Tire division
Büttnerstrasse 25, 30165 Hanover, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 511 938 2615
Fax: +49 (0) 511 938 2455
/ Klaus Engelhart
Press Spokesman, Passenger and Light Truck/Two-Wheel Tires
Continental AG
Tire division
Büttnerstrasse 25, 30165 Hanover, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 511 938 2285
Fax: +49 (0) 511 938 2455