Hankook's novelty debuted in the Volkswagen Crafter configuration
Hankook Tire has become a supplier of tires for the Volkswagen Crafter, with the popular minivan's configuration including the completely new all-season tire Hankook e-Vantra FlexClimate, which will soon be released on the secondary market and expand the Korean manufacturer's range in the light truck segment.
The new tires were designed for use on both gasoline-powered vehicles and electric cars, and, as Hankook claims, they are distinguished by high load-carrying capacity, durability, and resistance to wear, i.e., the qualities that are of particular importance during operation on fully loaded commercial vehicles. In addition, one of the main priorities, as reported, was to ensure a high level of safety and stable handling, and for this reason, the tires received reinforced sidewalls that "reliably absorb high transverse loads", and the construction of the bead area was also modified to provide optimal stability, including when the vehicle is fully loaded.
Another key feature of the novelty is that a high proportion of silica was added to the tread compound, which, in combination with functionalized polymers and special resins, improved braking efficiency on wet roads, increased tire strength, and reduced rolling resistance. At the same time, the tread pattern is distinguished by an exciting block stiffness and was optimized for even wear and reliable traction in both summer and winter conditions, and the zigzag 3D lamellae increase safety on snow, which allowed the tires to receive the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) marking.
"By supplying tires for the original equipment of the VW Crafter, we confirm that we intend to further expand our range of tires for vans and offer innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers who use commercial vehicles," said Choong Hwan Pak, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hankook in Europe. "Hankook e-Vantra FlexClimate combines numerous characteristics that make them ideal for daily operation in challenging conditions. This is a product created using the latest technologies that enhance its efficiency and safety level, as well as guarantee its readiness for changes in the industry."
For the Crafter, the tires are supplied in the size 205/75 R16C.