Hankook introduces two wide-base TBR tires

Hankook Tire America Corp. has added a pair of wide-base single radial truck/bus tires to its commercial tire portfolio for regional and long-haul applications.

Both new products—the AH32 all-position and e3 WiDE DL12 drive-axle radials—are built using Hankook's "Smart + Technology" manufacturing process and are SmartWay verified for reduced rolling resistance, according to Rob Williams, vice president of TBR sales, Hankook Tire America.

The new "Smart + Technology" manufacturing process works to enhance key performance indicators across the TBR product suite with improved braking, multi-surface performance, rolling resistance and safety, Williams noted.

The AH32 is an all-position, all-season tire developed for durability, retreadability and safety, Hankook said. It's available in two sizes initially—385/65R22.5 18PR and 425/65R22.5 20PR.

The tire incorporates Hankook's Innovation Mixing System, which helps strengthen the bonding force between compound materials. It also features a multi-purpose performance tread pattern that combines differing zig-zag grooves designs to help protect against uneven wear, chips, cuts and tearing.

The e3 WiDE DL12 tires are engineered to provide improved traction capabilities throughout the life of the tire thanks to three-dimensional siping technology and a semi-open shoulder design, Hankook said.

Developed for long-haul applications, the e3 WiDE DL12 features Spiral-Coil Technology to stabilize the footprint and casing, which correlates to better wear and performance. The rib and block tread pattern provides better tire integrity than its predecessor, Hankook said.

It's available in two sizes—385/65R22.5 18PR and 425/65R22.5 20PR—with more to be offered later in the year.

Hankook also noted that using wide-base single tires such as the DL12 in place of duals offers weight savings of up to 400 pounds along with a reduction in rolling resistance of up to 33 percent.