Nokian Introduces Hakka Green Summer Line-Up

Nokian has launched a new summer tyre range, the Hakka Green. The Finnish tyre maker describes the Hakka Green as a tyre that “uniquely combines the needs of drivers on northern roads” and can reliably deal with all summer conditions, whether it be hot roads, wet weather conditions or late autumn’s steadily cooling weather. Green credentials for the tyre are earned through “extremely low” rolling resistance; Nokian says it is 15 per cent lower than that of its predecessor, the Hakka H. This equals a decrease in fuel consumption of almost three per cent, and Nokian adds that fuel savings in comparison with “average” summer tyres is some five to eight per cent.

“The main challenge for tyre manufacturers is to create products that merge reliable safety properties with the green values expected by consumers. The new, environmentally friendly structural and material solutions that we’ve studied for several years contribute to the stable characteristics of the Nokian Hakka Green. This product combines lightly rolling driving experience with an incredibly precise driving response in extreme situations,” said Teppo Huovila, Nokian Tyres’ vice president, R&D.

Development of the Hakka Green was based on that of the Hakka H, the Finnish manufacturer reports. The tyre was then tested on tracks in the Nordic countries, Germany and Spain. The full silica compound used in the new tyre contains Nordic pine oil, an ingredient that Nokia says acts to effectively lower the compound’s temperature by reducing the level of friction caused by intermolecular movement. The manufacturer also states the Hakka Green delivers excellent durability.
 
This improvement in wear and rolling resistance over the predecessor tyre is said to have been achieved through the use of several technical innovations. The dimpled cavities on the sides of the longitudinal ribs, which resemble a golf ball pattern, are in place to cool the tyre. This new ‘Silent Groove Design’ is said to reduce drag and ensure better mileage thanks to lower fuel consumption. The longitudinal ribs’ side design serves to control both inside noise and drive-by noise. The cavities that control air flow cut noise stimuli generated by the edges of the longitudinal grooves and thereby prevent any unpleasant, whistling noise.

Handling in wet conditions is assisted by the presence of four circumferential channels, and the “Venturi grooves” on the tyre’s inner and outer shoulder are designed to further prevent aquaplaning. The shaped grooves located between the shoulder blocks are there to speed up the outflow of water. As Nokian explains, “the speed of water flow increases at the point of constriction, resulting in a negative pressure that effectively removes water between the tyre and driving surface.” According to Nokian Tyres’ comparison tests, the Hakka Green’s aquaplaning resistance is on average four per cent better than that of the eco-focused summer tyres of its main European competitors.

 The Hakka Green is designed for small and medium-sized family cars and encompasses products in the T, H and V speed categories. The new tyre replaces both the Nokian Hakka i3 and the Nokian Hakka H. The first 24 sizes in the range will be released in spring 2011 in the Nordic countries, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.