Hankook to launch 'enfren' eco-optimised tyre line in US

ERJ staff report (TB)

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico -- Hankook Tire America Corp. will roll out three key consumer products this year, including a rolling-resistance-optimised tyre for hybrid and other fuel-efficient vehicles, called the enfren eco.

Hankook debuted the products during the company's 2011 dealer conference in Puerto Vallarta, at the Grand Velas Resort.

The enfren eco will debut during the second half of 2011, in five sizes initially, the company said. The tyre to be sold in North America is a second-generation of the product that debuted in 2008 in South Korea and was made available subsequently in 2009 in Japan and Australia and last year in China.

The tyre uses a high-silica-content synthetic rubber tread compound for reduced rolling resistance, Hankook said. Specific rolling-resistance data were not presented. It will roll out in one 16- and four 15-inch sizes.

The other new consumer products are: Dynapro HT all-season performance tyre for light trucks, vans and SUVs and Optimo H426 all-season grand touring performance tyre.

The Dynapro HT is considered an upgrade over the Dyanpro AS, the company said, especially in the area of snow traction. It also offers longer treadwear-with a UTGQ treadwear rating of 700 vs. 440 for the AS-and lower rolling resistance.

Hankook will roll out the HT in the year's second half in 21 P-metric and 10 LT sizes, ranging from LT 235/80R16 to P275/65R18.

The third new product is the Optimo H426, an all-season grand touring performance tyre that's been an OE fitment for the past two years but which now will be available in 28 popular replacement sizes, ranging from 175/65R14H to P235/50R18V. It will roll out in the second quarter.

Hankook also noted it has expanded the size range of the Ventus V2 concept all-season high-performance tyre to 22 sizes.

Hankook did not discuss pricing for any of these products.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)