Continental’s new EcoContact 6 has 20% higher mileage and 15% less rolling resistance than its predecessor thanks partly to its GreenChili compound.

Its engineers have made a more even distribution of the chemical components in the silica compound so the polymers have a stronger bonding, reducing the deformation of the tyre while driving which significantly reduces rolling resistance and raises fuel efficiency. It also introduced innovative additives to help the contact patch adapt even better to the road surface and is calling the combination of these two technologies the GreenChili compound.

Continental has already received approvals from 12 European vehicle manufacturers for factory-fitting of the EcoContact 6 on compact to mid-range models and volume production of the first tyres has begun for the replacement market. By March 2019, 112 items for 13 to 22 inch rims are to be available and the EcoContact 6 will be produced in tyre widths from 145 to 315 millimetres with aspect ratios between 80 and 30 percent. The tyres are approved for speeds up to 186 mph, corresponding to the Y speed index.