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Hankook has had three of its commercial fleet tires certified for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Program, meeting requirements to reduce rolling resistance by 3 percent.
The recently launched AL07+ steer tire, Z35a drive tire and TL01 trailer tire all provide lower rolling resistance to meet SmartWay standards designed to promote cleaner, more efficient truck technologies.
“Diminishing the carbon footprint, improving fuel economy and reducing costs are the key areas of focus for the commercial fleet industry currently,” says Brian Sheehey, commercial tires director for Hankook Tire America Corp.
“The SmartWay Program specifically addresses those concerns, providing fleet owners a clear means to reduce costs and help the environment. It’s a win-win, and Hankook is privileged to be a part of the solution with our SmartWay compliancy,” he adds.
“This certification, coupled with our industry-leading warranties and competitive pricing, further enhances the value of our product offering to the 1,000 SmartWay Partners. This is a true validation of Hankook’s innovative technology, product and performance,” Sheehey says.
Through Hankook’s “Kontrol Technology,” AL07+ steer tire, launched in August, uses a breakthrough mixing system to ensure longer tread life without sacrificing performance, he reports. This Innovative Mixing System (IMS) reinforces a stronger bond of the materials and generates lower heat – both characteristics lengthen tire life as other innovations also improve the tire’s durability, Sheehey continues.
“Hankook consistently invests approximately 5 percent of revenue into technological innovation,” he says. “We are particularly focused on improving fuel efficiencies and lowering the rolling resistance of current and future products. We definitely plan to get additional Hankook products certified for the SmartWay Program over the next several months.”
Engineers at Hankook’s Akron Technical Center in Akron, Ohio, took the lead on all compliancy testing and product development to help the tire maker secure the certification.
For more information, visit www.hankooktireusa.com and www.epa.gov/smartway.
