UK the pilot market for Hankook retreads

During the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Germany, Hankook UK sales director Barrie Horrocks shared with Tyres & Accessories that the tyre maker plans on launching its own bead-to-bead retreads in the first quarter of 2013, and the UK has been chosen as the pilot market for the new range. The retreaded products will be marketed under the ‘Hankook Alphatread’ name and will be initially available in three sizes that mirror new tyre patterns.

The range will most likely officially debut at the CV Show next March, although they may appear on the market shortly beforehand. Horrocks said that Hankook Alphatread products will be remoulded in the UK by a major independent remoulder, using only first life Hankook casings. The introductory line-up includes the RDH05 (the ‘R’ stands for remould) drive axle fitments in sizes 295/80 R 22.5 and 315/80 R 22.5 and an RTH22 trailer tyre in size 385/65 R 22.5.

Explaining why Hankook chose the UK as the initial test market, the sales director commented: “We are quite advanced in the UK market and our market share has grown to the extent now where we need a retread product there to complete the offer.”