Continental AG to Supply EcoContact 7 as OE Tires for Volkswagen’s New Electric Vehicle

[Financial News] Continental Tires is set to equip Volkswagen’s next-generation entry-level electric vehicle, the Volkswagen ID. Polo. The company is accelerating its push into the global electric-vehicle tire market by supplying EcoContact 7, which offers high efficiency, low noise, and strong braking performance and has earned the European Union (EU) label’s highest A rating. The move is part of a plan to further strengthen its high-value original-equipment tire portfolio as automakers expand their affordable electric-vehicle lineups.
Continental Tires said on the 15th that EcoContact 7 will be fitted as the standard summer original-equipment tire on Volkswagen’s new all-electric compact car, the Volkswagen ID. Polo. It will be supplied in two sizes: 17 inches (215/55 R17 94T FR) and 18 inches (215/50 R18 92T FR).
EcoContact 7 is a premium summer tire that combines low rolling resistance, long service life, and quiet operation. It is optimized to maximize the appeal of compact electric vehicles, for which securing driving range on a single charge and reducing road noise are key competitive factors. All 17- and 18-inch sizes fitted to the ID. Polo earned the highest “A” rating under the EU tire-labeling system for both energy efficiency and wet-grip braking performance, officially confirming their driving safety.
Continental AG’s proprietary engineering technologies are also incorporated. A special material compound reduces internal tire friction and rolling resistance, while an “Aero Dimple” structure inspired by the surface dimples of a golf ball is applied to the sidewall to reduce aerodynamic drag generated behind the vehicle while driving. A silent pattern tread design has also been added to suppress specific-frequency noise generated during urban driving, further improving cabin quietness.
The company is also stepping up efforts in the South Korean market. EcoContact 7 is scheduled to arrive in South Korea this month and go on official sale. South Korean electric-vehicle drivers are expected to experience its high-efficiency and low-noise performance by replacing their tires with sizes suited to their vehicles.
Niko Kyriatzopoulos, head of the replacement-tire division at Continental Tire Korea, explained, “Because driving efficiency and quietness are important in electric vehicles, it is essential to choose tires that also offer balanced, reliable braking performance.” He added, “The adoption of EcoContact 7 as the original-equipment tire for the Volkswagen ID. Polo demonstrates these product strengths.” He continued, “We will continue introducing products suited to South Korean customers in line with changes in the electric-vehicle market.”
Meanwhile, Volkswagen has also designated Continental’s all-season tire, Continental AllSeasonContact 2, and winter tire, WinterContact TS 870 P, as officially recommended tires for the ID. Polo, taking seasonal driving conditions into account.
[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter