Hannover, Germany, February 5, 2024.

The jury of the International Design Awards (IDA) has awarded the UltraContact NXT the "Gold" award in the "Automotive & Transport / Cars Accessories" category for its special sidewall design. With up to 65 percent renewable, recycled and ISCC Plus mass balance-certified materials, the UltraContact NXT is Continental's most sustainable production tire to date.

"Our design vision was to visually represent the sustainable mission of the tire. To achieve this, we used 3D and depth effects to design a leaf as a symbol of the tire's forward-looking message. This is the first time we have achieved this perspective effect," says Stefan Rittweger, the designer behind the tire. But even in the design of the UltraContact NXT, form followed function: "The design of the tread is not only technically optimized, but also supports confidence in the product through its character. Design details such as the soft shape of the cross-cuts and the edges of the tread blocks support excellent abrasion behavior, among other things. Design and technology are perfectly coordinated."

The new summer tire from Continental combines a high proportion of renewable, recycled and mass balance-certified materials with maximum safety and performance. All available dimensions achieve the best rating in the EU tire label ("A") in the areas of rolling resistance, wet braking and exterior noise. Continental is working tirelessly to advance innovative technologies and sustainable products and services throughout its entire value chain, from sourcing sustainable materials to recycling end-of-life tires. By 2030, the premium tire manufacturer aims to use more than 40 percent renewable and recycled content in its tires.