Continental at Tire Technology Expo 2026

Continental will open the 2026 Tire Technology Expo technical conference in Hanover on March 4 with a keynote addressing the specific requirements for autonomous driving tires. The company is introducing technical solutions designed to integrate with smart vehicle dynamic controls and optimize large-scale fleet operations. These developments are centered on the unique load profiles and continuous operational demands of self-driving architectures, where tire performance is critical for vehicle stability and safety.

Specialized tire requirements for autonomous systems
Autonomous vehicles operate under different technical parameters than conventional passenger cars, requiring tires that can interact seamlessly with automated chassis systems. Technical presentations at the Hanover Exhibition Center, scheduled for March 3 to 5, 2026, detail how these products address specialized use profiles.

A primary focus is the enhancement of vehicle dynamic controls. Because autonomous systems rely on predictable and consistent feedback from the road, Continental has developed tire technologies that provide precise data for the vehicle’s control units. This integration is essential for maintaining safety in complex traffic scenarios where human intervention is absent.

Addressing Euro 7 standards and wear emissions
In response to the Euro 7 regulation, Continental is presenting research on tire abrasion and emission pathways. The upcoming regulatory framework introduces binding limits for tire abrasion, necessitating new standardized measurement methods. Continental experts are utilizing simplified physical models to explain the relationship between rubber friction, wear parameters, and these new legal requirements.

Beyond the road wear particles (TRWP) typically discussed in environmental assessments, the company’s technical sessions examine additional emission pathways. These include the release of nanoparticles and the chemical degradation of tire residue caused by atmospheric oxygen and ultraviolet radiation. To analyze these factors, the company employs high-precision methods such as electron microscopy and molecular spectroscopy, providing a scientifically complete view of a tire's measured mass loss.

Circularity and sustainable material integration
The integration of recycled materials into the digital supply chain remains a core technical objective. Continental is showcasing the use of recovered carbon black, sourced from end-of-life tires, as a functional filler material. This process focuses on maintaining the mechanical properties of the tire while reducing the reliance on virgin fossil-based raw materials.

By applying these advanced materials and analysis techniques, the company aims to balance technical performance with the increasingly stringent demands of international regulators. These innovations are being presented at the 25th anniversary of the Tire Technology Expo, Europe's leading event for tire design and manufacturing.

www.continental.com