FORT MILL, SC - Meeting the challenges of large capacity and car-carrier trucks, Continental Tire North America, Inc. announced the addition of new drive and steer tires in ultra low profile sizes to its lineup.

Continental will begin sales of its new HSL2 Eco Plus (Heavy Steer Long-Haul) and HDL2 Eco Plus (Heavy Drive Long-Haul) truck tire sizes in the 295/60R22.5 size this month. These truck tires are a full three inches shorter than the 275/80R22.5 sizes, but each has 1,215 more lbs. of additional carrying capacity in a single fitment for load range G.

The versatile HSL2 Eco Plus and HDL2 Eco Plus truck tires allow drivers of large capacity and car carrier trucks to handle highway travel safely, while reducing their overall operating costs. The HDL2 Eco Plus features a tread design with an arrow-shaped directional pattern, which minimizes typical drive tire wear effects seen in this application and results in longer wear. Numerous tread blocks with several gripping edges provide excellent traction and durability throughout the entire tread life.

The HSL2 Eco Plus tire features a specialized tread design with wide shoulder ribs and narrow tread grooves, engineered for low noise and optimal weight distribution across the tire's footprint. Both the HSL2 Eco Plus and HDL2 Eco Plus use tread compounds optimized for low rolling resistance, which provides fuel savings. Yet both tires provide long original mileage and excellent wear characteristics.

"Continental is meeting the increased demand for truck tires that can handle higher load capacities, while also satisfying drivers' needs for both long mileage and fuel savings. The HSL2 Eco Plus and HDL2 Eco Plus tires offer large capacity and car-carrier trucks the ability to carry more weight without sacrificing the vehicle's height," said Clif Armstrong, Continental's director of marketing for commercial vehicle tires in The Americas.

"The HSL2 Eco Plus and HDL2 Eco Plus will also reduce the costs to operate these types of vehicles, with lowered rolling resistance and long tire life. Add it all together, and these tires are the solution that meets all of the needs of this specialized segment," Armstrong said.

To locate a dealer for the new Continental HSL2 Eco Plus or HDL2 Eco Plus tires, visit www.continental-truck.com.