Press Release
New WinterContact TS 860 is“Germany’s most experienced winter specialist”
- New winter tire for compact and mid-range modelsis a genuine all-rounder on dry, wet and wintry, icy and snow-covered roads
Hanover, Germany / Schladming, Austria, February 2016. With the new WinterContact
TS 860, Continental presents its successor to the highly successful ContiWinterContact TS 850. Designed for use in Central and Western Europe, the tire will be available in retail outlets from fall 2016. Initially there will be 36 items in 21 sizes for 14 to 17-inch rims, with a further 20-plus models scheduled to join the range in 2017. So this new winter tire for compact and mid-range models is set to gradually replace the outstanding ContiWinterContact TS 850. Over the past four years, the ContiWinterContact TS 850 has proved best-in-test in 47 product comparisons run by the European trade press, automobile clubs and consumer organizations, making it the most successful Continental winter tire to date.
Winter tires from technology-leading premium manufacturers like Continental are genuine all-rounders, because they have to be able to deliver grip reliably on dry, wet, icy and snow-covered roads. Winters in Central Europe are mainly cold and wet, with ten rainy days per month expected between October and March. With temperatures hovering around zero, that of course means an elevated risk of black ice – and indeed, one accident in four involving injuries is caused by slippery roads. That’s why the specifications for the new WinterContact TS 860 were focused on delivering maximum safety on wet and icy surfaces in particular.
Looking at the tire market for compact and mid-range models, Continental sees good prospects for its new winter tire. While demand for 14-inch tires is falling and the European market for 15-inch models has reached a plateau at around 20 million units, Continental is expecting to see demand for 16 and 17-inch tires continue to rise over the next few years.
Continental AG
Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international tire manufacturer, automotive supplier, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated preliminary sales of approximately €39.2 billion with its five divisions, Tire, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs approximately 208,000 people in 53 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 47,000 employees the Tire division achieved sales of €9.8 billion in 2014.
Passenger and Light Truck Tires
Continental is one of Europe's leading passenger and light truck tire manufacturers and is the world's fourth largest passenger and light truck tire manufacturer in the original equipment and replacement business sectors. Product development for the Continental premium brand focuses on optimizing all safety-related features while at the same time minimizing rolling resistance.
Media database
Alexander Bahlmann
Head of Communications/PR, Passenger and Light Truck Tires
Continental AG
Tire Division
Büttnerstraße 25, 30165 Hanover, Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 511 938 2615
Fax: +49 (0) 511 938 2455
/ Klaus Engelhart
Press Spokesperson, Passenger and Light Truck/Two-Wheel Tires DACH
Communications/PR, Passenger and Light Truck Tires
Continental AG
Tire Division
Büttnerstraße 25, 30165 Hanover, Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 511 938 2285
Fax: +49 (0) 511 938 2455