Hankook Tire America Corp. unveiled its new enfren eco, an eco-friendly all-season performance tire, at the SEMA Show.
Designed for fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles, the enfren eco features a high silica tread compound that not only lowers the tire’s rolling resistance, but also provides improved wet braking and dry handling performance. The tire’s leaf-shaped tread block design reflects its eco-friendly concept while at the same time improving fuel economy while driving. A solid center block allows for better steering and feel as well as lower rolling resistance, Hankook said.
“Rising fuel costs and a heightened interest in the preservation of our environment are rapidly becoming more important to consumers,” said Soo Il Lee, president of Hankook Tire America Corp. “Our new enfren eco will give consumers a choice when it comes to replacement tires that focus on improved vehicle fuel economy and the environment.”
Hankook Tire launched the first generation of enfren in 2008 in the Korean domestic market. This was followed by the launch of enfren in Australia and Japan in 2009 and China in 2010. The all-new enfren eco, which offers an 18% reduction in rolling resistance over its predecessor, will launch first in the U.S., with introductions in other markets to follow.
The enfren eco will be available in five sizes beginning in the first quarter of 2012, followed by three additional sizes in the second quarter of 2012. The initial sizes include 185/65R15H, 195/60R15H, 195/65R15H, 215/60R16H and 205/55R16H. The second quarter 2012 additions to the line include sizes 195/55R16V, 215/45R17V and 205/65R16H.
