New Volkswagen Passat CC Launched with Self-Sealing Tires from Continental

02/01/2008 Hanover, Germany -- The new Volkswagen Passat CC four-door, which just premiered at the Detroit Motor Show (NAIAS), leaves the plant equipped with self-sealing Continental tyres. Using technology they call ContiSeal, the leading German tyre manufacturer has developed a system that makes it possible for a vehicle to continue on its ways even after a tyre has been punctured with a screw or nail.

ContiSeal: Continental's Self-Sealing Tire: A protective layer on the inside of the tread immediately seals holes that develop when screws or nails puncture the tyre, so that no air can escape

"The seal works on nearly all leaks caused by objects up to 5 millimeters in diameter", says Detlef Zschörner, head of the Automotive Group Volkswagen / Audi at Continental. "That means they can take care of about 85 percent of typical flat tyres." The new Passat CC, which is just as comfortable as it is dynamic, is produced with a top motorization of 200 kW (300 HP), giving it a peak speed of up to 250 km/h. Depending on the vehicle design, the ContiSeal tyres for the Volkswagen Passat CC have the size 235/45 R 17 W or 235/40 R 18 W and are manufactured with the tread of the ContiSportContact 3 high-tech tyre.

Because the motorist sometimes doesn't notice that a foreign object has penetrated the tyre, Continental recommends that tyres be examined regularly for nails or screws. In case of doubt, motorists should consult with a car dealership or tyre dealer. Tyres with ContiSeal technology were first introduced as concept tyres at last year's IAA. ContiSeal technology eliminates the need for the spare wheel, making the vehicles lighter weight and opening up further possibilities for designers when creating the boot.

Continental is introducing the ContiSeal technology at the Geneva International Motor Show, booth 354 in hall 6. Volkswagen will be showcasing the VW Passat CC with the self-sealing tyres as part of its European premiere at the Geneva show as well (hall 2, booth 2.261).

With annual sales of more than €25 billion (based on 2006 figures), the Continental Corporation is one of the top five automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of tyres, brake systems, powertrain and chassis systems and components, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes to enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. The corporation currently employs approximately 150,000 people at more than 200 locations in 36 countries.

The tire divisions are an Official Sponsor of UEFA EURO 2008TM, to be held in Austria and Switzerland in June 2008. For further details, visit the websites www.ContiSoccerWorld.de, www.contifanworld.com und www.conti-online.com.

Source: Continental AG

Bookmark/Search this post with:

 •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •