Following the success of its HSC and HDC tyres, Continental has introduced two new construction tyres - the HSC+ and HDC+. Boasting a new tread compound which has extremely long polymer chains making these tyres tougher, thereby increasing mileage performance, durability and protecting the carcass for remoulding. As a result, the HSC+ and HDC+ are much more economical in combined on-/off-road use.

The new tread compound is specifically optimised for use in applications where stones, rocks, and other sharp edges are particularly likely to cause tears in the tread. Dr. Bernhard Trilken, head of Research & Development of Continental Vehicle Tyres at Continental, says: "Longer polymer chains in the tread compound interwine more efficiently and make the tyre tougher with greater elasticity. Tears remain isolated and cannot penetrate into the tyre, which means tread breakages are minimised. As a result the casing is well protected and kept in good condition for remoulding. An additional benefit of the new compound is the improved wear resistance, which allows mileage performance to be increased significantly".

The belt layer on the new construction tyres has also been considerably modified - there are now three times as many belt wires in the second and third plies and they have all been coated with special rubber. This design means that even under extreme loads there is less risk of the steel breaking. Should a stone work its way right through to the belt, this area of damage remains isolated and does not pose a risk to the surrounding areas. This reduces the risk of extended damage to the belt.