Hankook now has 14 truck and bus tire models available to its 700-plus commercial dealers with the debut of the DL07 line-haul drive tire at the March 25-27 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky.
Intended to compete against the Michelin XDA5, Goodyear G372A and Bridgestone M726EL, the new release offers your customers a high-value alternative without sacrificing performance, according to sales director Brian Sheehey.
“We recognize that in these tough economic times return-on-investment and cost-per-mile is crucial within the commercial tire industry,” Sheehey observes. “The DL07 delivers exceptional value, increased fuel efficiency and next generation technology all backed by one of the industry’s best commercial tire warranties, with a price tag that’s lower than the competition.”
Developed with an aggressive block pattern to deliver better traction and performance for line-haul applications in all weather conditions, an advanced tread design and carcass construction provide for even wear patterns, equal weight/torque distribution, reduced heat buildup and increased fuel efficiency, he says.
“The DL07 is Hankook’s next generation replacement tire,” explains Sheehey. “With its superior hauling ability, improved fuel savings, durability and wear performance, the DL07 will decrease vehicle downtime so drivers can be on the road longer.”
It has wider and deeper four-channel zigzag grooves with enhanced stone ejector platforms to prevent stone drilling on the groove bottom and to maximize removal mileage. Stone retention is reduced, and a new casing construction brings improved durability and retreadability, he says.
The DL07 is Hankook’s first line-haul drive tire designed and engineered with e3 technology (pronounced e-cubed). Launched at the 2009 Great West Truck Show, e3 is aimed at helping dealers and customers understand the advanced technology behind its commercial tires delivered across three main areas: Energy, economy and environment, according to Sheehey.
“e3 falls under Hankook’s overall Kontrol Technology philosophy, which focuses on a set of proprietary innovations, applied throughout research, development and production to ensure controlled driving experiences,” Sheehey adds. “The result of Kontrol Technology is tires that provide a range of driving benefits across four areas that customers identified as key when choosing quality tires: Performance, safety, comfort and a tire’s impact on the environment.”
The DL07 is also engineered with a high grip notch shoulder design, which prevents irregular heel and toe wear while enhancing traction. Improved wide and flat shoulder ribs will also guarantee longer mileage with even wear, he notes.
Available now in size 285/75R24.5 (14PR), the company will be expanding the lineup to include sizes 11R22.5, 11R24.5 and 295/75R22.5 as mid-summer approaches.
For more information, visit www.hankooktireusa.com.
