Continental's new low rolling resistance version of its deep lug drive tire, the HDL2 DL Eco Plus, has been verified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership

. Continental will release the tire for sale in June.

The HDL2 DL Eco Plus (Heavy Drive Long Haul Deep Lug) is designed to provide long original mileage with 32/32-inch tread depth. The HDL2 DL's closed shoulder tread design provides traction in both wet and dry road conditions and resists irregular wear. Its lug angle provides traction throughout the life of the original tire, and a wider casing increases handling stability.

"Previously, tires could be submitted for SmartWay verification either as individual tires, or as a combined package of steer, drive and trailer axle tires with a collective rolling resistance (RR) index for all three positions," said Roger Stansbie, director of radial truck tire technology development for Continental for the Americas. "This latter combination procedure potentially meant that some tires with higher RR indexes than the limit for SmartWay could be verified, because the lower RR index of the partner tires in the combination could make up the difference. However, it is generally understood that during 2010, SmartWay will no longer allow this combined method to be used to gain approval."

In addition to the HDL2 DL Eco Plus, Continental's HSL2 (steer), HDL Eco Plus (drive), HTL Eco Plus (trailer) and HTL1 (trailer) are included on the SmartWay list of verified tires.

More info: www.continental-truck.com