Nokian Expands Winter Tyre Range

Nokian Tyres is adding three new products to its winter tyre line-up in the Nordic countries and Russia. The company’s latest winter tyre for passenger cars is the studless Nokian Hakkapeliitta R, and the Finnish manufacturer also intends to further the range with a version designed for 4×4 vehicles. The company’s traditional Hakkapeliitta range is also venturing into new territory: the Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E winter traction tyre is the first product in this range to cater for the truck and bus segment.

During the design of these new tyres an emphasis was placed upon the creation of genuine winter tyres that operate safely and reliably in demanding conditions that vary from wet weather to hard frost. An ability to adjust to sudden changes in temperature was given as high a design priority as reducing rolling resistance. Nokian reports that the reduced rolling resistance of its tyres enables motorists to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 200 litres over a driving distance of 40,000 kilometres. The carbon dioxide load is thus reduced by 480 kilograms.

The low rolling resistance of the Hakkapeliitta R has not been achieved by compromising on grip properties, says Nokian. The tyre surpasses its predecessor’s braking ability on icy, snowy and, especially, wet roads. Wet grip has indeed been substantially improved through the patented pump siping. The improved grip properties are the result of a new, Nordic winter compound. The new tyre is R speed rated (170 km/h), a higher rating than many competing tyres in this segment. The range includes 44 sizes ranging from 13” to 20”. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R will be available in tyre outlets in the autumn of 2008.

Drivers of 4×4 vehicles in Russia and the Nordic countries require a reliable studless winter tyre for their vehicles. Tailored for sports utility vehicles, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV draws from the same sources of innovation as the corresponding product designed for passenger cars. Thanks to the tread pattern and compound employed, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV surpasses the standard level of friction tyres’ ice and wet grip. Development of the tyre also focused on driving stability, always an important factor when designing for large vehicles with a high centre of gravity. Sizes on offer range from 16 to 20-inches, which means the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV can fit almost all 4×4 vehicles, and again the tyre carries an R speed rating. Retail sales of the tyre will begin in the Nordic countries, Russia and other major markets in the spring of 2008.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck product range has been specially designed for truck and bus transport in the Nordic countries and Russia, and Nokian reports this range will be steadily expanded over time. Designed for freight transport, buses and timber trucks, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E (Extreme) tyre will become available in the Nordic countries and Russia in August.