At the 66th IAA for Commercial Vehicles, Hankook is presenting its premium truck tyres from the e-cube MAX, SmartFlex and SmartWork series for the European market. These are now available in more than 42 sizes and are suitable for the complete Mercedes-Benz Actros and Atego model range. This means that Hankook has almost doubled its portfolio of dimensions for the original fitment of Daimler AG trucks since the cooperation started in 2014.
Hankook further expands its original equipment portfolio in the heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) and medium duty segment as part of its existing OE agreements for Mercedes-Benz truck model range: Actros, Antos, Arocs, Axor, Econic and Atego. The tyre maker’s latest OE line-up includes among others the Hankook treads AL10+ e-cube MAX and DL10+ e-cube MAX, as well as the SmartFlex AH31 and SmartFlex DH31, all of which have been specially developed for the European market. Since the start of its OE business with Daimler AG, Hankook has expanded its portfolio for the Stuttgart-based truck and bus manufacturer to include more than 42 dimensions.
Hankook supplies multiple options for 22.5 inch tyres, the top-selling standard wheel size for heavy duty trucks in Europe, as well as for commercial vehicle tyres in the 17.5 and 19.5 inch sizes. Extending the OE fitment of the most-demanded heavy duty and medium duty trucks further strengthens the Hankook brand in a highly competitive market and is yet another milestone in the company’s endeavour for sustainable growth in the TBR business.
The e-cube MAX AL10+ (all position long haul) utilises linear grooves with waved walls to prevent uneven wear, enhancing durability and providing improved long-term fuel efficiency. The improved tread compound and high load index of the AL10+ increases fuel efficiency whilst simultaneously increasing load capacity. The e-cube MAX DL10+ (drive axle long haul) offers drivers excellent traction with three-dimensional kerfs and superior long mileage performance with extra-wide tread blocks and deep grooves. The block supporter also provides the DL10+ with boosted longevity and low rolling resistance. Both of these treads will be supplied in three sizes: 315/80R22.5, 315/70R22.5 and 315/60R22.5.
The SmartFlex AH31 is an all-season TBR tyre well-suited for variable road conditions, providing even wear and long mileage performance with significantly lower rolling resistance. The revolutionary drive axle tyre SmartFlex DH31 is perfectly matched for a number of different applications with its cutting-edge technology providing excellent traction in a number of different operating conditions. These include regional, long-haul and winter conditions due to the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake), and also guarantee high mileage durability. The SmartFlex AH31 and SmartFlex DH31 will be available as OE in four sizes: 295/80R22.5, 315/60R22.5, 315/70R22.5 and 315/80R22.5.
In 2014, Hankook Tire was selected as an OE supplier for Mercedes-Benz medium duty ‘Atego’ trucks and the heavy duty model range ‘Actros’. Based on its position as a strategic partner for leading automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Hankook Tire has built a reputation for global top-tier technology and quality products in the TBR segments.