Hankook Recalls 3 RA08 Light Truck Tyres

Hankook Tire has is recalling a number of RA08 van tyre sizes in what the company describes as a “precautionary measure.” The sizes affected are: 185/75R16C, 205/75R16C and 215/75R16C produced at the company’s plant in Hungary between April 2008 and June 2009. According to the company, no other tyres produced in Hungary are subject to this action. Tyres supplied as OE to Ford’s Transit are said to similarly un-affected as they are produced at the company’s Deajon plant in South Korea. Consumers who use the affected tyres are asked to immediately contact their local tyre dealer. Further consumer information will be offered at Hankook Tire Europe’s website (www.hankooktire-eu.com). Alternatively, consumers and the trade are being directed to contact their national representatives. Hankook explained the reasons for the recall in the following statement: “Whilst fully complying with the strict requirements of the Economic Commission for Europe Regulations (ECE R54) we have found during our ongoing quality assessment of our product we identified that some of the above tyres, produced in Hungary, did not meet Hankook Tire’s established high quality standards. This was due to concerns that under extreme conditions weakening of the sidewall of the tyre may occur which if left could result in separation. Based on these findings the decision was made to issue a safety recall and replace all affected product.” According to the statement, Hankook has complied with guidance from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and – in the UK – has withdrawn all unsold stock from its retail dealers and is formulating a safety recall and replacement programme which it will shortly communicate to its dealer network. As part of this programme Hankook will replace affected tyres with new tyres at no cost to affected consumers.