Hankook Tire America Corp. launched its new enfren eco, eco-friendly all-season performance tire today (Nov. 1, 2011) during a press conference at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nev.
Orignially previewed at the 2010 SEMA Show, the enfren eco was specifically designed for fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles and offers consumers an energy saving, low rolling resistance replacement tire with all-season performance, the company says.
To maximize enfren eco’s fuel economy, Hankook engineers used a high silica rubber tread compound that not only lowers the tire’s rolling resistance, but also provides improved wet braking and dry handling performance. The enfren eco’s leaf-shaped tread block design reflects its eco-friendly concept while at the same time improves fuel economy. A solid center rib allows for better steering and feel as well as lower rolling resistance.
“Rising fuel costs and a heightened interest in the preservation of our environment are rapidly becoming more important to consumers,” says Soo Il Lee, President. “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 new enfren eco, which offers an 18% reduction in rolling resistance over its predecessor, will launch first in the United States, 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 first quarter 2012 sizes include 185/65R15H, 195/60R15H, 195/65R15H, 215/60R16H and 205/55R16H. The second quarter 2012 additions to the enfren eco line include sizes 195/55R16V, 215/45R17V and 205/65R16H.
The new enfren eco and all of Hankook’s tires utilize the brand’s proprietary Kontrol Technology which focuses on four main areas that consumers identified as key when choosing quality tires: performance, safety, comfort and a tire’s impact on the environment.
