Hankook launched its first environmentally friendly tire – enfren – in South Korea earlier this year, and is considering the tire for launch in other markets. The tire combines a number of technologies including a special silica compound and structural design efficiencies.

“As Hankook looks to continue its growth globally, and in the U.S. market in particular, we realize our products moving forward need to deliver further fuel efficiency benefits to meet our customers’ needs,” said Greg Pae, president of Hankook Tire America Corp. “Our Technical Center in Akron works closely with Hankook’s main R&D facilities in Korea to develop leading-edge technologies that will ultimately deliver the environmentally friendly tires more and more consumers will demand.”

Hankook invested nearly $10.7 million into eco-friendly tire technology over the last 30 months.

“This investment is about making a serious improvement upon the current strides we have made into researching the effects of tires on the environment and developing tires that are more beneficial for the environment without sacrificing quality and performance,” said Hwi Joong Kim, CTO/CPO of Hankook Tire. “Technology is at the heart of everything we do and this investment represents our commitment and desire to lead the creation and development of next generation, high-performing environmental tires.” (Tire Review/Akron)