More Grip and Durability With New Hakka

Nokian Tyres has introduced a new winter range for larger 4×4 vehicles, light trucks and vans.

Known as the Hakkapeliitta LT2, the tire employs the same innovations and technical solutions used in the Hakkapeliitta 7 passenger car tire. However, the Finnish tiremaker said the LT2 has been designed for heavy-duty use and this “combines uncompromised grip and exceptional durability.”

According to Nokian, in addition to possessing the “superior grip that is typical of Hakkapeliittas,” the new tire “stands out from its predecessors thanks to its excellent wear resistance and unique driving stability.” The manufacturer claims the LT2 can “safely and effortlessly” move on slippery, icy roads and snow-covered worksites. Nokian describes the Hakkapeliitta LT2’s grip as being reassuring even under extreme conditions and assures that it maintains its precision and stability even in the most challenging conditions.

The tire’s construction has been optimized for the large wheel and heavy axle loads of 4x4s, pick-up type light trucks and vans alike, Nokian says, adding that the LT2’s steel belt package has been especially reinforced in the shoulder area; the steel belt package also has more than 60% more steel than that used in standard passenger tires. This under the skin durability is said to be complemented by an extremely tear and cut-resistant tread compound and sidewall abrasion protection.

The tire’s claimed handling and grip qualities are attributed to the center tread pattern, with accentuated siping for grip on snow and wide grooving to remove water and slush from between the tire and road surface. The tread blocks that extend from the side to the center are intended to improve handling and stability on unsealed roads.

The large number of tread blocks with sharp edges also improves the snow grip of the tire, Nokian states. To guarantee safe driving under rapidly changing conditions, Nokian said the tread of the LT2 contains sipe activators that activate the functionality of the sipes. The LT2 is a studded tire and these play their part in delivering grip, Nokian said.

The Hakkapeliitta LT2 initially covers 12 dimensions for 16- to 18-inch wheel diameters. (Tyres & Accessories)

Ascot Supply Corporation, based in Newnan, Georgia, has selected Mark Paquette for the newly created position of vice president. In this position, Ascot Supply said Paquette will oversee the growth of the company's products, corporate profitability, manage marketing and advertising and assume many other responsibilities.

He will work under the direction of current President David Kessler and officially begin his new role on June 3. Paquette joined the tire and automotive industry in the early 1980s at his father's tire shop, and his contributions to Mohawk Rubber Sales were instrumental in the company's growth and eventual sale to Myers Tire Supply in 2021, according to Ascot Supply. Paquette eventually was given a promotion to the role of director of operations at Myers Tire Supply.