Nokian Launches Tire for Extreme Winter Conditions

Nokian Tyres has rolled out a new winter tire for the harshest of conditions. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 44 was created special for Icelandic-based Arctic Trucks, which converts four-wheel drive vehicles to handle severe winter conditions encountered in the northern parts of Eurasia, Antarctica or other glacial regions, the tiremaker said.

“Arctic climates mean being able to trust your tires against ice, snow and rugged terrain without being interrupted by either a puncture or conditions that make travel impossible,” said Kalle Kaivonen, research and development manager, Nokian Heavy Tyres. “Arctic Trucks’ vehicles are re-engineered to handle punishing conditions for various uses including those encountered by polar exploration teams. So we designed the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 44 knowing their customers needed a tire that takes winter seriously, excelling in grip and durability.”

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 44 features a tread pattern with V-shaped angles, designed to help clean the grooves of slush and snow. The tread’s width and the tire’s maximal airspace also ensure it’s adept at handling soft surfaces. The enforced shoulder blocks also help with better balance and handling, the tiremaker said.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 44 is designed with Nokian’s Polar Expedition tread compound that combines grip with durability in extreme winter conditions.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 44 will be available in LT475/70 R17 and has the option for studs.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Ryan Waldron as president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

"At Goodyear, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and in Ryan Waldron, we have a customer-centric, execution-focused business leader with a deep understanding of both the marketplace and all aspects of our business, as well as a proven track record of delivering results," Stewart said. "I am thrilled to announce him as president of Goodyear's Americas business and have enormous confidence that under his leadership, both the company and our customers will reach even greater levels of success."