Continental’s lightweight air spring range
Continental has highlighted the benefits for Euro VI fleets of its extensive lightweight axle air spring range for the aftermarket, supplied under the ContiTech brand.
“New trucks in Europe with Euro VI emissions standard are good for the environment and the climate, because the standard means that trucks are significantly restricted in the particles and nitrogen oxides they can emit,” said Continental.
“To meet the standard, truck manufacturers must design their vehicles to be as light as possible – despite the extra weight caused by additional exhaust gas treatment systems. After all, less weight means less fuel consumption and emissions. Lightweight construction is therefore an absolute top priority for truck manufacturers. “
When individual components must be replaced after a few years of operation, if the replacements are heavier than the original equipment parts, emissions will also rise again, the firm points out, meaning Euro VI advantages will be lost.
Continental’s aftermarket lightweight axle air spring range is designed to prevent this.
“In these components, metal parts such as the steel pistons are replaced by lighter but equally durable plastic parts,” said the firm.
“The fitting and the way the pistons are attached have also been optimised. Injection moulding, combined with a high-performance joining process, means that the entire internal volume of the piston can be used. All this results in a weight saving of several hundred grams compared to the standard component.
“And because several air springs are installed in a large truck, depending on the type of air spring used, a weight saving of several kilos can quickly be achieved – and that reduces fuel consumption.”
Reducing weight is worthwhile for operators, says Continental, because fuel costs account for by far the largest share of total costs over the entire life cycle of a truck.
Bastian Dobrick, sales manager in charge of the aftermarket for air spring business in the EMEA region, points out that based on average consumption and mileage, fuel costs of more than €50,000 can be incurred every year. In view of falling freight yields, any form of weight saving is therefore worth hard cash for operators.
Another advantage cited by Continental is that, if operators use lightweight components for spare parts, the reduced weight of the entire vehicle unit gives them a greater range and more payload capacity, and accordingly more efficient operation.
“This aspect is becoming increasingly important because, with electrified powertrains in particular, it is vital to compensate for the extra weight of the heavy battery cells,” said the company.
“With the new lightweight air springs from Continental, fleet operators and freight forwarders can continue to benefit from the advantages offered by Euro VI vehicles. In other words, significantly lower emissions, lower fuel costs and a high payload for efficient journeys.”
Continental’s portfolio currently includes more than 80 types for the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers’ Euro VI models.
All the company’s ContiTech brand air springs for the aftermarket are listed at the catalogue website below, together with technical data and drawings – allowing users, developers and sales partners to find the right air spring type for the relevant application.
