Hankook Tire Unveils Three New Commercial Vehicle Products in Hanover, Germany: "Tire Life Extended by 15%"

[Financial News] Hankook Tire, the tire company of Hankook & Company Group, unveiled several new products at the world's largest commercial vehicle exhibition.
Hankook Tire said on the 21st that it had concluded its exhibition at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026, held in Hanover, Germany, from the 15th through the 20th local time, after unveiling three new truck and bus radial (TBR) tires. IAA TRANSPORTATION is a global exhibition where automakers and parts companies gather to showcase the latest technologies and mobility solutions in the commercial vehicle industry. Since its first participation in 2010, this marks Hankook Tire's sixth appearance in the commercial vehicle segment.
The three newly unveiled products are the winter tires Smart Control AW53 and Smart Control DW53, as well as Smart Flex TH51 for medium- and long-haul trailers. All three incorporate Smartec, Hankook Tire's proprietary TBR technology system, which comprehensively enhances key performance areas including safety, mileage, chip-and-cut resistance, retreadability and braking performance.
Smart Control AW53 is designed for steering axles, while DW53 is designed for drive axles. These commercial vehicle-specific tires were developed to deliver excellent grip and braking performance even on harsh winter surfaces such as snow and ice. In Hankook Tire's own tests conducted at a performance testing facility in Ivalo, Finland, the tires showed significant improvements over existing products in snow braking, acceleration and handling. They also feature Hidden Groove technology, which maintains peak performance even as the tires wear. The technology preserves braking and driving performance through the end of the tires' service life while extending tire life by up to 15%.
The Smart Flex TH51, also unveiled at the event, is designed to maximize transport efficiency through high mileage and low rolling resistance. By combining zigzag-shaped grooves with water-drainage channels, it delivers stable water evacuation under a range of weather conditions. Thanks to Hidden Groove technology made using a 3D-printed tread mold, it maintains consistent grip through the final stage of its service life.
The exhibition also featured a portfolio of products and services for different transport environments, including Smart Line for high-speed, long-haul use; e-Smart City for electric city buses; Laufenn LF95+ for trailers under the Laufenn brand; AlphaTread retread tires; and Hankook Smart Fleet, a management solution.
Meanwhile, Hankook Tire has continued to participate in major commercial vehicle exhibitions in Europe, including the Road Transport Expo in the United Kingdom, the logistics and transport fair in Germany, and THE TIRE COLOGNE. Through these events, the company is expanding its engagement with local markets and building its technological competitiveness and brand recognition in the global TBR market.

[email protected] Kim Dong-chan Reporter