Continental is significantly expanding its ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre portfolio for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, adding more than 650 new sizes across all tyre lines by the end of 2027. The announcement, made on 16 September 2026, reflects a structural shift in the market: UHP tyres now account for 62 percent of Continental brand passenger car tyre sales, up from 49 percent in 2020.
The expansion covers both original equipment fitments for new vehicles and the replacement market. Along with the Continental brand, it includes secondary brands Semperit and Uniroyal.
☰
Why UHP demand is growing
Continental cites three converging drivers behind UHP growth: SUV popularity, rising vehicle weight from EV batteries, and higher torque from modern powertrains. UHP tyres are defined by Continental as 18-inch and above combinations designed for performance SUVs, premium saloons, sports cars, and high-performance electric vehicles.
Industry-wide, UHP tyres grew from 41 percent to 55 percent of global passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyre sales between 2020 and 2025, according to Continental’s figures. The share varies significantly by region.
| Region | UHP share of passenger car tyre sales (2025) |
|---|---|
| Asia-Pacific | 70% |
| Americas | 66% |
| EMEA | 43% |
| Global average (all brands) | 55% |
| Continental brand global | 62% |
SportContact 7 as the benchmark
Continental’s flagship UHP summer tyre is the SportContact 7, which the manufacturer says has ranked in the top three in 27 of 29 international tyre tests since its launch. The performance record is cited as evidence of Continental’s UHP capability — the SportContact 7 is an established model, not a new launch.
“As modern vehicles become larger, heavier and more powerful, tyres are becoming even more critical. They are no longer simply the vehicle’s connection to the road, but a key prerequisite for safety, efficiency and driving dynamics,” said Edwin Goudswaard, head of Research and Development for Continental’s Tires group sector.
What 650+ new sizes means in practice
The 650-plus figure covers new sizes across all existing Continental tyre lines — not new tyre models. The expansion reflects growing vehicle platform diversity: automakers are differentiating by model variant, requiring more specific tyre configurations. Continental notes that the new sizes will be available for both factory fitment and as replacements for existing owners.
Continental’s tyre division reported a 35% EBIT increase in Q2 2026, which the company attributed in part to the higher-margin UHP segment’s growing share. The UHP push is consistent with that financial direction.
Who benefits
For drivers of newer vehicles — particularly SUVs, electric cars, and anything above a 17-inch rim — the expanded size catalogue means Continental is more likely to offer a tyre in the exact size needed as replacement fitment. Previously, some less common UHP sizes had limited brand options; broader portfolio coverage reduces that gap.
The 650+ new sizes will roll out progressively through 2027. No pricing information was included in Continental’s announcement.