Nokian Tyres Inc. started 2021 by setting a sales record and the company is banking on its newest winter tire, the Hakkapeliitta 10, to cap the success as the seasons change once again.
Sales in the region grew 62% in the first half of the year compared to the pandemic-pained results of the first half of 2020. Nokian attributes the success this year to several things: "a recovering economy, a growing customer base, rising consumer awareness of Nokian Tyres’ products, and an expanding product portfolio."
That product portfolio included the January launch of One, an all-season passenger tire created to complement the Nokian One HT, which launched in 2020 for light trucks and SUVs.
"Dealer purchases of the Nokian Tyres One surpassed sales projections, thanks in part to a new consumer promise popular with drivers: a Pothole Protection program that guarantees free replacement (within terms and conditions) if a tire suffered damage beyond repair from a pothole or other road hazard."
Nokian Tyres North America Vice President of Sales Tommi Heinonen says, “Fortunately, dealers were quick to notice the new innovations in this passenger tire, and drivers were eager to buy it.”
The tire is among the all-season products made in Nokian's Dayton, Tenn., production facility. The company sees the plant as an important tool in it increasing its market share across North America.
“The Dayton Factory continues to grow,” says Heinonen. “It is one of the most advanced tire factories in the world, and it will help us become even stronger in North America.”
While the company continues to expand its all-season lineup for North America, it continues to make advancements in winter tires. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 comes in both a passenger and SUV version, as well as an option for electric vehicles, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV.
“We are growing our product portfolio, but we will always be the inventor of the winter tire,” says Heinonen. “This year has already been successful, and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 will help us and our partners achieve success in the final months of 2021, as well.”
