09/23/2005 Concept tyres from Continental at the IAA

Hanover, September 2005. At the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Ford unveiled its new concept car - the Ford iosis - and the concept tyres specially developed for it by Continental. Ford used the iosis to demonstrate the main stylistic elements that will define the design of Ford vehicles in Europe in the future. Ford refers to the underlying design language as "kinetic design". Continental's concept tyres enhance the presentation of the iosis and blend in smoothly with the silhouette of the concept car.

Here you can download the press release as a doc-file (50 KB).

Ford's concept car iosis is a further step towards the car of the future, where the design already conveys the performance and the technological dynamism of the vehicle. In this context Ford is relying not only on the design elements, but also on the emotions evoked by just seeing the car. The 20" concept tyres developed by Continental have a circumferential groove and V-shaped, dynamic tread pattern elements, thereby underlining the bold impression made by the Ford iosis. Rims milled from solid aluminium feature a contrasting finish that makes them stand out, whilst at the same time reflecting the graphic elements of the car body.

Continental has extensive experience in the development of very small production runs specifically for concept vehicles and show cars, designed in close co-operation with the styling departments in the automotive industry. "New, striking tread patterns combined with individually designed sidewalls - also featuring the vehicle manufacturer's logo - and colour highlights make a tyre unique" comments head designer Peter Bogenschütz from Continental. "Ford and Continental have traditionally co-operated" summarises Jörg Göner, Account Manager for Original Equipment tyres for Ford. "This can be seen not only in the tyres for concept cars, but also in standard production vehicles, which are fitted with tyres manufactured by Continental."

The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tyres and technical elastomers. In 2004 the corporation realised sales of EUR12.6 billion. At present it has a worldwide workforce of more than 81,000.

The tyre business unit is an Official Partner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup GermanyTM.For further information visit the websites www.conti-online.com, www.ContiSoccerWorld.com and www.contifanworld.com.