#United States #Nashville #Hankook Tire #TBR Tires

Hankook Tire's New Smart Truck Tires and Plant Expansion at TMC 2025

Hankook Tire, a prominent global tire manufacturer, recently introduced its cutting-edge fifth generation lineup of truck and bus radial (TBR) tires at the 2025 Technology Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, hosted in Nashville, Tennessee. This unveiling not only showcased innovative products but also highlighted significant advancements in Hankook's manufacturing capabilities with an ongoing expansion of their Tennessee facility.

During the event, Hankook presented its commitment to the TBR sector through the introduction of the new Hankook Smart Brand. This branding encompasses all future truck and bus tire products from the manufacturer, integrating innovative technologies like Self-Generated 3D Sipe technology and new tread compounds designed to significantly enhance tire performance.

Rob Williams, President of Hankook Tire America Corp., expressed excitement about participating in the TMC event, especially given its proximity to Hankook's North America headquarters in Nashville and the nearby production plant in Clarksville. Williams emphasized the importance of TMC as a platform to connect with fleets and industry stakeholders, reinforcing Hankook's dedication to higher manufacturing standards and innovation.

The showcased tires included:

• - Smart Flex AH51/DH51/DH52: All-condition premium performance tires aimed at providing extended mileage and durability, expected for availability in Q2 2025.
• - Smart Line TL52: A smart trailer tire that boasts long-haul performance, which will be produced at Hankook’s U.S. manufacturing facility in Clarksville, slated for release later in 2025.
• - AL52 and DL52: Long-haul tires for TBR that were initially unveiled during last year’s TMC event and are currently available on the market.
• - eSmart City AU56: An exclusive tire designed for electric commercial vehicles, engineered for high load capacity and improved battery efficiency, set to be available in Q3 2025.

As part of Hankook's phased expansion, the Tennessee plant is currently undergoing simultaneous Phase 2 construction for Passenger Car and Light Truck (PCLT) tires and Phase 3 for TBR tires. This strategic expansion aims to increase the plant's workforce to approximately 2,200 employees and elevate the facility’s annual production capacity to 11 million PCLT tires and 1 million TBR tires, positioning it among the largest tire manufacturing plants in North America upon completion.

Visitors to Hankook's booth at the TMC were also given insights into the brand’s technological advancements via videos and elaborate presentations on their current and future solutions for commercial vehicles. This marks a pivotal move not just for Hankook, but for the entire tire industry as it gears up for an era marked by smart technologies and sustainability in tire manufacturing.

Hankook Tire America Corp. stands as a rising leader within the U.S. tire market, continually investing in innovative technologies, production capabilities, and marketing strategies. With a headquarters in Nashville, Hankook Tire America Corp. markets an extensive range of tires that include high-performance options for both passenger vehicles and buses, along with medium truck tires. As a subsidiary of Hankook Tire Technology Co., Ltd., a venerable entity in the industry, Hankook remains committed to delivering quality and environmentally-friendly products to consumers.