Hankook Launches DL07 Drive Tyre

Hankook Tire has introduced its next generation of line-haul drive tyre for the North American market at the 2010 Mid-America Trucking Show. The DL07 is initially available in size 285/75R24.5 (14PR), and the range will be expanded by the third quarter of 2010 to include sizes 11R22.5, 11R24.5 and 295/75R22.5. Hankook says the DL07 is intended to compete against the Michelin XDA5 (M/C), Goodyear G372A (G/Y) and Bridgestone M726EL (B/S) – all, the manufacturer notes, come with a higher price tag attached.

“We recognise that in these tough economic times return-on-investment and cost-per-mile is crucial within the commercial tire industry,” said Brian Sheehey, director of commercial tyres, Hankook Tire America Corp. “The DL07 delivers exceptional value, increased fuel efficiency and next generation technology all backed by one of the industry’s best commercial tyre warranties, with a price tag that’s lower than the competition.”

As to the tyre’s specific features, Hankook comments the DL07 has an “aggressive” block pattern tread that delivers superior traction and performance for line-haul applications in all weather conditions. The manufacturer adds that its tread design and carcass construction provide for even wear patterns, equal weight/torque distribution, reduced heat build-up and allow for increased fuel efficiency. The DL07 also employs four channel zigzag grooves with stone ejector platforms. These features, says Hankook, are intended to prevent stone drilling on the groove bottom and maximise removal mileage. This groove design is also designed to reduce stone retention while the manufacturer says a new casing construction will deliver improved durability and retreadability.

 “The DL07 is Hankook’s next generation replacement tyre,” Sheehey continued. “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.”

The DL07 is Hankook’s first line-haul drive tyre designed and engineered with what the company calls “e3 technology”. This cubing of the fifth letter of the alphabet, Hankook points out, represents the ‘three Es’ of commercial tyres – energy, economy and environment.  The technology involved falls under Hankook’s overall ‘Kontrol Technology’ philosophy, which is aimed at producing tyres that provide a range of driving benefits across four areas customers have identified as key when choosing quality tyres: Performance, safety, comfort and a tyre’s impact on the environment.