Continental to overhaul General truck line in U.S.

Aug. 16, 2010

The General medium truck tire line is getting a new identity while products within the line will receive new names as part of a big re-branding push by parent company Continental Tire the Americas LLC.

"Starting with the U.S., the General brand is sporting a new, full color databook with complete tire product information and specifications, and new literature for each tire," say Continental officials.

"In addition, all General truck tire products throughout the Americas will be renamed as new products are launched to simplify product choices and reflect their intended wheel positions and applications. While General highway and regional tires will be given either 'General H_' or 'General R_' nomenclature, the on/off-road portfolio will benefit from a complete name change to the 'Grabber' line."

The Grabber name, taken from Continental's passenger and light truck tire division, "is the perfect reflection of how General truck tires offer great traction and durability for the on/off-road segment," says Libor Heger, Continental's truck tire brand manager.

"We'll be starting this process with our new Grabber OA, the General truck tire for 'Off Road, All Position' driving." The Grabber OA was launched on July 1 in sizes 11R22.5 and 11R24.5. The tire sports 23/32-inch tread depth, resistance to cutting and chipping, a robust sidewall and other features.

Heger says the General truck tire brand "will become more familiar throughout the Americas." Products will be locally sourced to reflect the sizes, climates and specifications of their markets.

"In the coming months, there will be 11 new General articles launched from the U.S. from the Mt. Vernon, Ill., plant, eight new articles from Brazil... and 10 new articles from the Andean region" in South America.

"The General brand has an incredible heritage and is one of the strongest (brands) for our dealers. Today's General truck tires still incorporate the durability and value that customers love, but with even more to offer than before. Our research and development team is poised to take this challenge and continue developing advanced solutions for General customers throughout the Americas."