Continental Tire the Americas, LLC will supply the original equipment truck tires for Ram medium-duty Chassis Cab trucks starting in 2010 with the all-new 2011 model year trucks.

In a multi-year order, Chrysler Group LLC designated that all new Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks will be equipped with Continental's 225/70R19.5 tires, said Tom Fanning, Continental's director of original equipment sales for commercial vehicle tires - The Americas. Continental HSR (steer) and HDR (drive) tire products were selected for the fitment.

"Continental Tires were chosen because they give Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks a competitive advantage, offering a class-exclusive N speed rating (87 mph)," said Fanning. "Ram executives have told us this is something their customers have been asking for and is superior to the M speed rating (81 mph) of the competition's tire."

Tire speed ratings are an important consideration for fire and rescue, ambulance and other emergency service customers.

The HSR is a premium steer-position tire rated for load range G. Its 16/32-inch all-position tread pattern provides long mileage in regional and local service. Other features include a protective scuff rib, a closed-shoulder tread pattern to promote even wear, and an aggressive tread design that promotes stability and increases wet traction. The HDR is a multi-purpose drive tire rated for load range G with 18/32-inch of tread depth. It features a multi-service tread compound for local and long-haul service, and offset center tread blocks that provide excellent all-weather traction.

The order is Continental's third major original equipment fitment for truck tires in less than a year, according to the company.