Hankook Tire has developed a new technology for the company's commercial tire business, called e3
(pronounced e-cubed). E3 is named for the technology's contribution in three main areas, energy, economy and environment.

In the first area, energy, the technology is meant to improve fuel economy, while it should improve fuel savings and wear performance in the second area, economy. Under the third umbrella, environment, Hankook hopes to minimize harmful carbon dioxide emissions.

"Energy, Economy and Environment - the focus areas for e3 - continue to be key concerns in today's commercial trucking industry as well," Brian Sheehey, director of commercial tires at Hankook. "By categorizing a broad range of advanced technologies under e3, Hankook will be able to demonstrate how we deliver significant benefits in each category."

E3 will be added to Hankook's newest versions of Line Haul tires, which are expected to land in early 2010.

"Last year, Hankook had three of its commercial fleet tires certified for the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Program," Sheehey said. "As we roll out several new commercial truck tires over the next two years, we will look to secure additional SmartWay certifications."

More info: www.hankooktireusa.com.