Nokian Tyres plc introduced three new tires to a group of North American tire dealers on Feb. 8 during a press conference at the company´s testing track in Ivalo, Finland.
The tires include the Hakkapeliitta 5, a new passenger tire; the Hakkapeliitta Sport Utility 5; and the WR G2, an all-weather tire.
The Hakkapeliitta 5 is a studded winter tire that uses Nokian´s newly developed square studs. The product outperforms its predecesor, the Hakkapeliitta 4, in a variety of categories, including slush planing, ice handling, wet and dry surface handling and others, according to Nokian officials. It is currently available in North America in 41 sizes, ranging from 13 inches to 19 inches in diameter, inluding five run-flat sizes.
The Hakkapeliitta Sport Utility 5, also available in the United States and Canada, contains a tread profile that's similar to its passenger tire counterpart and also uses Nokian´s square studs. It is available in 31 sizes, ranging from 15 to 22 inches.
The WR G2 is an assymetrical tire. Its features include a full silica tread compound containing canola oil (which improves winter grip and protects against cracking, according to Nokian officials), "3-D self locking sipes" that run down the middle of the tread surface, and others. It will be available this summer in 26 14- through 20-inch sizes, say Nokian officials.
