Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. expands push into UK commercial vehicle market, unveils next-generation truck and bus tires

[Financial News] Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. is stepping up its push into the UK commercial vehicle market. Its strategy is to broaden its reach among local transport operators with a range of tires for vehicles from long-haul trucks to trailers and vans. In particular, the company plans to highlight its technological edge with products that reduce rolling resistance by up to 20%, as well as all-season tires.
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. said on the 11th that it will take part in RTX Scotland 2026, a commercial vehicle expo being held in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, on the 18th and 19th (local time).
RTX Scotland is a regional event of RTX, one of the UK’s leading commercial vehicle expos, and was first held last year. This year, more than 80 companies, including truck and trailer manufacturers and tire and maintenance specialists, are set to take part, and more than 7,000 visitors are expected over the two days.
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. has taken part in the RTX expo every year since 2022, making this its fifth consecutive year, and will also participate in the Scotland event for the second consecutive year.
The exhibition will feature truck and bus radial (TBR) tires from Hankook, the company’s globally integrated brand, and Laufenn, its global brand. The company aims to attract local customers with a product range suited to varied driving conditions, including long-haul and regional transport and on- and off-road driving.
The main products are the Hankook Smart Flex AL51 and Hankook SmartFlex DL51 tires for heavy-duty cargo trucks and tractors. Designed for mounting on the front axle and drive axle, respectively, they reduce rolling resistance by up to 20% on long-haul routes compared with existing products. They are designed to maintain stable performance throughout their service life.
Trailer tires will also be on display. Key products include the all-season SmartFlex TH31 and the SmartFlex TH51, which uses hidden-groove technology to maintain grip as the tire wears.
The company will also showcase the on- and off-road Smart Work AM11+, the Smart Work AM15+, and the all-season van tire Vantra ST AS2, expanding its range from medium- and heavy-duty trucks to vans.
Laufenn-brand products on display will include the on- and off-road LR01 and LR02, the LR53 drive-axle tire for mixed surfaces, and the all-season van tire X Fit Van 4S.
The company will also introduce Laufenn365, an accident warranty program operated in the UK. Its plan is to boost its competitiveness in the local market by expanding beyond tire sales to services that support transport operators in managing their vehicles.
This year, Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. has been taking part in a series of major commercial vehicle events in Europe, including IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026, the world’s largest commercial vehicle expo, as well as the Devon Truck Show and Truck Show Cornwall in the UK. Through these events, it plans to raise brand awareness in the truck and bus tire market and expand its local customer base.
[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter