Hankook Tire recently announced that it will be supplying original equipment tires to Ford for the automaker’s Super Duty F-450 and F-550 Chassis Cab. The tires picked for this include all-seasons tires SmartFlex DH35 and AH 35. The former is the latest addition to Hankook Tire’s growing TBR portfolio. The move showcases the increased preference by U.S. car manufacturers for Hankook tires.
The SmartFlex DH35 and AH35 offer specially designed treat patterns that reduce rolling resistance and provide excellent driving performance. For the AH35, its multi-3D sipes found within the tread enhance traction. Wave-shaped and straight grooves prevent aquaplaning and improve water run-off. The stiff tread blocks enhance fuel efficiency and reduce tire wear, reducing the overall cost of ownership.
The SmartFlex DH35 features four zig-zag groove lines that cut across the entire tread surface. These provide a wide contact area that improves driving performance in different traffic conditions and increases mileage. The improvements made to the tires did not in any way distort their general physical appeal. Both tires received one of the most sort-after design awards: the 2016 Red Dot Award. SmartFlex DH35 was recently added to America’s portfolio of Hankook tires and will soon be availed to customers in sizes: 265/70R19.5 14PR, 245/70R19.5 16PR, and 225/70R19.5 14PR.
The Ford Super Duty is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the U.S. The F-450 and F-550 provide excellent handling. This made it essential for Hankook to develop a tire that provides a balance between tire pattern, tread compound, dimension and block size alignment. This provides that perfect handling performance needed by the Ford Super Duty.
According to Hyunjun Cho, Head of the OE division at Hankook, the team is thrilled to continue supplying tires for Ford’s top-rated Super Duty line of pickup trucks. Being picked as the OE supplier puts the tire manufacturer in a position to solidify its position as a leader in tire making.
Hankook Tire began supplying tires to Ford in 1999. Some of the models in which these tires were fitted include the Ford Explorer, Ranger, Expedition, Mustang, F-150, Econoline, Transit, and Edge. With the new addition of the Super Duty Chassis Cab, Hankook is gradually expanding its global partnership. The company currently supplies original equipment tires for 46 other car manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, and Audi.