Hankook introduces e-cube tyre to UK fleets…and politicians

With one of the largest tyre-related stands at this year's CV show (along with Bridgestone, Giti, Michelin, etc), Hankook was seeking to raise the profile of its latest commercial vehicle tyre technology amongst UK. As it happened the company got more than it bargained for when government transport minister, Mike Penning MP, dropped in to see the firm’s e-cube (truck) and Kinergy (car) fuel saving technology.

“This is a key year for us in all markets and the commercial sector is an integral part of our ambitious growth plans,’’ said Hankook UK managing director Tony Lee. “With Barrie Horrocks and Dave Thorp in new positions (sales director and sales manager commercial respectively), we look forward to showcasing our product line-up to existing and new customers.’’

For 2011 the commercial automotive sector is set to be dominated by the pursuit of fuel economy and Barrie Horrocks said that Hankook will be on hand to ensure customers are aware of its expertise in addressing these priorities, starting with a key presence at the Commercial Vehicle Show.

“Value for money has always been key to customers in the commercial sector but with fuel prices continuing to rise there is even more importance being placed on the cost of motoring and that includes everything from driving standards to aerodynamics and of course tyres,’’ said Horrocks.

The e-cube range has been launched to the UK market following a thorough testing and evaluation phase with e-cube reportedly offering low rolling resistance, high mileage and good retreading capability: “We are also working closely with customers to ensure their vehicles are maintained to minimise their motoring costs and that involves ensuring companies are aware of best practice in everything from tyre pressures to making sure that a vehicle’s tyres are also at optimum performance.”

Barrie said that even a small disparity in tyre pressures can have a marked effect on fuel consumption and with Hankook on board companies can ensure they do all they can to maintain performance and keep costs under control.

“The new tyre launch is perfectly timed for a market which is focussed on value for money and fuel costs,” said Horrocks. “It is particularly aimed at high mileage operators who can reap the most in terms of benefits such as coach companies and other transcontinental operators.”

Also new at the show is the next generation in advanced passenger car tyre concepts – the Kinergy Eco tyre – with a focus on performance, handling and the economy.

Hankook also exhibited its AllSeason Optimo 4S which targets quality-conscious and eco-minded drivers who no longer want to switch between summer and winter tyres: The increasingly alternating weather conditions resulting from climate change is turning the habitual half-year tyre change in vast parts of Europe more and more into a “gambling game.”

Elsewhere at the show Hankook tyres can been seen on a number of other stands including Volkswagen where the Volkswagen Caddy racing van from the Volkswagen Racing Cup is Hankook-shod.