Hankook Adds Drive, Trailer Tires

Hankook Tire presented three new offerings in its truck and bus radial tire lineup at the 2019 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky: the SmartFlex DL15, e3 Max DL21, and e3 WiDE TL21, equipped with innovations the company says brings better performance and safety to Hankook customers.

The SmartFlex DL15 features new technologies such as the patented self-regenerating siping system that turns out during progressive predictive wear in a three-stage system, providing better traction as part of its all-season lifetime. The SmartFlex DL15 is a long- and regional-haul drive tire with improved fuel economy performance, says the company, thanks to its updated central rib and semi block tread pattern.

The e3 WiDE TL21 is a trailer position tire designed for high-mileage applications. It touts Hankook Tire’s new Spiral-Coil technology, which the comany says provides a stabilized footprint and strong casing durability throughout the life of the tire. Thanks to an optimized bead profile, the e3 WiDE TL21 makes extending the lifetime of the tire via retreading superior to class competitors, says the company.

Advanced rubber technology and a closed-shoulder tread design help the e3 Max DL21 achieve superior fuel efficiency as a long-haul drive tire. The Heel and Toe Stopper design formulated by the Hankook Tire team helps strengthen overall block rigidity while minimizing irregular wear of the tire over its lifetime, the company added.

“We are always looking for ways to improve our TBR products to give our customers the best tire for their individualized needs,” said Rob Williams, senior director of TBR Sales, Hankook Tire America. “These three new tires represent the latest from our innovation team, bringing not only a more dynamic TBR portfolio, but products that will go the distance for those who depend on them every day.”