Hankook Tire Launches Truck Tires... Targeting the U.S. Commercial Vehicle Market

Hankook Tire & Technology (hereinafter Hankook Tire) announced on the 27th that it has launched a new truck tire product, the ‘SmartFlex DL15+’, in the U.S. market.

The ‘SmartFlex DL15+’ is a long-haul truck drive axle tire equipped with Hankook Tire’s cutting-edge ‘Smartec (Smart+Technology)’ technology, delivering high fuel efficiency and excellent braking performance. Smartec technology is Hankook Tire’s innovative truck and bus tire technology (TBR) that enhances overall tire performance based on five key elements: safety, mileage, chip and cut resistance, tire retreadability, and braking power.

The tire’s carcass and bead have been optimized in shape to minimize tire deformation. The contact pressure distribution has been optimized to achieve uniform wear performance. Additionally, a newly designed belt structure has been adopted to reduce heat generation and secure durability, thereby increasing tire lifespan and retread performance.

Furthermore, four major tire surface grooves are arranged in a zigzag pattern and 3D sipes technology is applied to further enhance braking performance. The tire rolling resistance is minimized to improve fuel efficiency, and the edges of the fine grooves are rounded to prevent tire cracks and tears.

In particular, the ‘SmartFlex DL15+’ has obtained the SmartWay certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is awarded to high-efficiency energy and eco-friendly products. It is a product embodying Hankook Tire’s sustainability, supporting the freight industry with mobility solutions that improve energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, Hankook Tire is undertaking various activities to strengthen its presence in the U.S. commercial vehicle market. In 2021, it collaborated with the smart tire technology startup ‘Revo Technology’ to develop intelligent tires.

By expanding its Tennessee plant in the U.S., Hankook Tire plans to extend its production line to include truck and bus tires, thereby strengthening commercial vehicle sales in the North American market. Upon completion of the Tennessee plant expansion, Hankook Tire will have its first TBR production base in the U.S., with an annual production capacity of approximately one million truck and bus tires.