Hankook Tire showcased its latest innovation in the truck and bus radial (TBR) tire segment at the 2025 TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville, TN. Hankook also announced significant development on its expansion of the Tennessee manufacturing facility, emphasizing its commitment to building up capacity for production in the U.S.
A Strong Presence at TMC 2025
Rob Williams, Hankook Tire America Corp. President, emphasized the importance of TMC 2025 as a forum to introduce the company’s latest advancements in TBR tire technology. He indicated he was looking forward to attending the event in Nashville where Hankook is based for North America and also for its Clarksville manufacturing facility. Williams emphasized the company’s tour to TMC as the ideal opportunity to enhance ties between Hankook, fleet operators, and industry stakeholders in view of Hankook enhancing its TBR production facilities.
Introduction of Hankook’s Fifth-Generation TBR Tires
Hankook’s latest range of TBR tires showcases the company’s new Smartec technology, engineered for tire durability, fuel efficiency, and improved performance. They are the latest step in Hankook’s consolidation of business in the American market.
The displayed tires are:
Smart Flex Series
AH51 / DH51 / DH52: High-performance tires that offer longer mileage and lifecycle. The AH51 and DH52 will be launched in Q2 2025, and the DH51 will be launched in Q3 2025.
Smart Line Series
TL52: A long-distance smart trailer tire manufactured in Hankook’s Clarksville plant, later this year.
AL52 and DL52: Long-distance TBR tires, launched at TMC 2024, are now available for sale.
eSmart City AU56: Special tire for electric commercial vehicles to provide high load capacity with improved battery efficiency. The AU56 will go on sale in Q4 2025.
Expansion of Manufacturing Capacity
Hankook’s ongoing investment in U.S. manufacturing was also a key highlight at the event. The company is adding both its Light Truck (PCLT) tire and Passenger Car business line and its TBR tire business line to its Tennessee plant in Clarksville. After adding the facility, the plant will be able to employ about 2,200 workers and significantly boost its annual production capacity. The Clarksville facility will have the capacity to produce 10 million PCLT Hankook tires and 1 million TBR tires annually.
Hankook’s strategic investments in its US operations are evidence of its commitment to meet the growing demand for high-performance passenger and commercial tires, further cementing its leadership in the tire market.