Continental to Launch Over 650 New UHP Tire Sizes by the End of 2027

Continental, one of the world's leading tire manufacturers, is expanding its product range in the Ultra High Performance (UHP) tire segment. The company plans to add more than 650 new tire sizes to its portfolio under the Continental, Semperit and Uniroyal brands by the end of 2027. The expansion into the UHP segment, which is growing with the spread of SUVs and electric vehicles, covers both the original equipment and replacement markets.

The increasing prevalence of SUV models and electric vehicles in the automotive sector is boosting demand for the UHP segment, which covers tires of 18 inches and above. According to Continental's data, the share of UHP tires in global passenger car tire sales across all brands rose from 41 percent to 55 percent between 2020 and 2025. In Continental's own passenger car tire sales, this ratio increased from 49 percent to 62 percent.

With its new tire sizes, the company aims to meet the increasing performance, safety and efficiency expectations of modern vehicles.

Electric vehicles and SUVs are growing the UHP segment

The additional weight brought by batteries and the high torque in electric vehicles make tire durability, road grip and braking performance more important. These developments are influential in increasing demand for high-performance tires.

In its UHP products, Continental focuses on combining high road grip and short braking distance with low rolling resistance, driving comfort and high mileage performance.

Continental Tire Group R&D Head Edwin Goudswaard stated that advances in automotive technology are making vehicles larger, heavier and more powerful, and noted that tires play a critical role in terms of safety, efficiency and driving dynamics. Goudswaard said they aim to meet the changing needs of modern vehicles with the new sizes to be added to the portfolio.

SportContact 7 stands out in international tests

Continental's SportContact 7, one of its products in the UHP segment, stands out with its results in independent tire tests. According to the company's statement, the model has won first place in 28 of the 30 international independent tire tests conducted since its launch.

Offered in various sizes ranging from 18 to 24 inches, the summer tire is used as original equipment on certain models from automakers such as Audi, BMW, BYD, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen.

SportContact 7 stands out in independent tests particularly for its braking performance and road grip characteristics on both dry and wet surfaces.

About Continental

Founded in 1871, Continental operates in the field of mobility and tire technologies. The company achieved sales revenue of 19.7 billion euros in 2025 and provided employment to approximately 76 thousand people in 54 countries and markets.

The Continental Tire Group offers tires for cars, trucks, buses, two-wheeled vehicles and special applications, as well as digital solutions and services for fleet operators and tire retailers. The group achieved sales of 13.8 billion euros in the 2025 fiscal year.

With approximately 55 thousand employees worldwide, the Continental Tire Group continues its operations with 19 production and 16 development facilities.