Bandvulc has expanded its Regiomaster line with the BDR5, a fifth-generation drive axle retread engineered for regional and long-distance haulage. Launch sizes are 295/80R22.5 and 315/70R22.5, with 315/80R22.5 to follow this year. The tyre replaces the BDE1 and brings a directional pattern, enhanced traction and in-house compound updates designed to improve fuel economy and whole-life costs.
The BDR5 is positioned as a durable, long-mileage option for national and regional operations. Bandvulc says it is the first directional tread in the Regiomaster family, giving the tyre multiple gripping edges and more efficient water evacuation for consistent traction in mixed conditions. A self-stabilising rib-block layout aims to keep the footprint even and the casing cool on long motorway stints.
Eco Mileage technology underpins the tread design and compound, targeting reduced rolling resistance and better wear. Bandvulc highlights a 3D sipe and groove system that preserves bite as the tread wears, helping fleets extract more miles per casing. The balanced polymer blend is developed in-house to limit heat build-up and resist damage on occasional off-road sections common in distribution work.
Initial sizes are 295/80R22.5 and 315/70R22.5, covering a large share of UK tractor and rigid fitments, with 315/80R22.5 to follow. That staggered release mirrors recent Generation 5 updates across the group and gives tyre partners a clear pathway to transition fleets from the outgoing BDE1.
The BDR5 sits within Continental’s ContiLifeCycle approach to casing management and retreading, where material and CO₂ savings compound over multiple lives. UK Government consultation material cites industry data that a retreaded heavy vehicle tyre can save around 30 kg of rubber and about 60 kg of CO₂ versus a new tyre, underlining the procurement case for retreads in public and private fleets.
The launch follows other fifth-generation activity in Bandvulc’s portfolio, including the Wastemaster 5 expansion for urban waste fleets, which Tyre News covered when a high-load 315/70 size was added in June 2025. That move reflected demand from heavier, city-based vehicles and reinforced the brand’s durability focus for specialist sectors.
Continental has also broadened its Gen 5 new-tyre range with products built for lower rolling resistance and digital lifecycle integration, aligning with retreadability through ContiLifeCycle, a strategy.
Tony Mailling, Head of Hot Retread Production, described BDR5 as “a versatile, reliable all-rounder” for long-distance and regional operations, arguing that modern retreads can match new-tyre performance while improving cost-per-mile and sustainability. The company positions the tyre for fleets seeking predictable whole-life cost with assured casing reuse.
The BDR5 is on sale now in 295/80R22.5 and 315/70R22.5, with 315/80R22.5 due later in 2025. Dealers are expected to phase out remaining BDE1 stock as fleets migrate to the new drive axle pattern.
Tagged with: Bandvulc BDR5, Regiomaster retread, drive axle tyre, regional haulage, long-haul transport, fuel efficiency, ContiLifeCycle, mileage performance, CO₂ savings, UK fleets
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
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