Hankook Tyre UK is showcasing its comprehensive portfolio of Hankook and Laufenn commercial vehicle tyres at the Road Transport Expo trade show. The event at NAEC Stoneleigh brings together over 200 exhibitors from across the commercial vehicle industry.

Hankook is leveraging this platform to highlight its commitment to innovation and cater to the evolving needs of commercial vehicle operators. A key focus is the company’s brand-new e-SMART City AU56 tyre line, specifically designed for electric buses.

Beyond electric vehicles, Hankook is also presenting its established range of hybrid-use tyres, including the SmartFlex AL51 for steering axles and the SmartFlex DL51 for drive axles. These tyres are designed for regional and long-distance transport, delivering optimal performance throughout their tread life and allowing for regrooving and retreading.

Jon Cottrell, UK Truck Sales Manager for Hankook Tyre UK, said, “Hankook is again looking forward to exhibiting at the Road Transport Expo. It is an ideal opportunity to present our tyre range and build on Hankook’s reputation for producing technologically advanced tyres with superb mileage, reliability, and value. Our e-SMART City AU56 follows in the footsteps of Hankook’s iON EV tyre range for cars and SUVs and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to innovation. Hankook has invested in 3D metal tread moulds for all the new generation of premium truck and bus tyres in the EU market. These treads are designed to maintain wet grip and traction for the tyres in all weathers and throughout the whole life of the tyre tread. AI-aided design and cutting-edge material compounds maximise performance without compromising affordability. As the automotive industry shifts towards sustainable solutions, Hankook’s e-SMART range is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the performance and efficiency of electric commercial vehicles.”

Hankook, recognised as a leader in the UK truck tyre replacement market, is further strengthening its position with the Laufenn brand. Developed through ongoing market research, Laufenn tyres offers cost-effective solutions for regional haul applications. The LF95 trailer tyre, the LF22 all-position, and the LZ22 drive axle tyres will be displayed.

The Laufenn range leverages Hankook’s expertise while providing excellent value for money. The entire lineup is retread-guaranteed, minimising environmental impact and reducing fleet managers’ overall operating costs.

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”