Continental Unveils aContact Tire Range for Autonomous Fleets, Debuting in Las Vegas and San Francisco

Continental makes strides in autonomous driving: the tire manufacturer is offering an original equipment product line developed specifically for use on driverless vehicles.

(IN BRIEF) Continental has launched its aContact tire line, designed specifically for autonomous vehicle fleets, with initial deployment in US cities including Las Vegas and San Francisco. The tires combine safety, durability, and efficiency, offering features such as robust sidewalls, optimized rolling resistance, and enhanced wet-weather handling. Tailored to the needs of robotaxis, shuttles, and delivery vehicles, aContact tires are already being supplied to autonomous fleet operators in North America and China. Continental’s design approach addresses the unique requirements of AI-driven vehicles while supporting sustainability goals through innovative materials and resource-efficient manufacturing.

(PRESS RELEASE) HANOVER, 14-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Continental has introduced its new aContact original equipment tire line, designed specifically for autonomous vehicles, marking another step forward in the company’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility. Engineered to meet the unique operational demands of driverless fleets, the aContact family will debut on public roads in the United States, with robotaxis in cities like Las Vegas and San Francisco among the first to use them.

The aContact line incorporates specially developed tire technologies tailored to the requirements of autonomous vehicle operators, from urban robotaxis and autonomous shuttles to delivery services and, eventually, self-driving private cars. These vehicles, controlled by AI algorithms, typically operate under regulated conditions at lower speeds but for extended periods—placing distinctive demands on their tires. Continental’s solution combines optimized safety, durability, and energy efficiency, with each tire configuration adapted for its specific area of application.

“Robotaxis will soon be part of our everyday mobility,” said Meletis Xigakis, Head of Research and Development for Continental’s original equipment business. “To ensure maximum efficiency, it is crucial they are equipped with tires made specifically for the job. Our aContact range integrates technologies customized for each manufacturer or mobility provider, ensuring superior safety, performance, and operational efficiency.”

The tires are designed with features such as short braking distances, exceptional wet-weather handling, robust sidewall construction for extended service life, and reduced rolling resistance to maximize the range of electric autonomous vehicles. Their relatively narrow, tall profile not only lowers air resistance but also supports the heavy weight of vehicle batteries and bodies, improving handling and stability. Continental has also minimized external rolling noise to create a quieter ride—an important factor in urban environments.

In developing aContact, Continental leveraged years of research into emerging mobility concepts, including lightweight vehicles, alternative drivetrains, and self-steering technologies. The company supplies customized versions of the tire to multiple autonomous fleet operators in North America and China, where robotaxis are already operating in cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Beijing.

The aContact range reflects Continental’s broader vision for autonomous driving—prioritizing safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. The company continues to invest in innovative materials, resource-saving production processes, and eco-friendly technologies, with the aim of making each stage of a tire’s life cycle more environmentally responsible.

Media contact:

Katharina Bühmann
Manager Communications Technology, Innovation & Original Equipment
Continental Tires
+49 151 68984652
katharina.buehmann@conti.de

Henry Schniewind
Head of External Communications
Continental Tires
+49 511 938-21810
henry.schniewind@conti.de

SOURCE: Continental AG