Hankook updates on new tire line and plant expansion

NASHVILLE—Hankook Tire's 5th generation lineup of truck and bus radial (TBR) tires made its debut at the 2025 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville, with the company also providing updates on the expansion of its Tennessee plant.

The new tires showcased include:

• Smart Flex
  • AH51 / DH51 / DH52 – All-condition tire for extended mileage and lifespan; AH51 / DH52 available Q2 2025; DH51 available in Q3 2025
• Smart Line
  • TL52 – Smart trailer tire optimized for long-haul performance manufactured at Hankook Tire's U.S. manufacturing plant in Clarksville, Tennessee; available later this year
  • AL52 and DL52 – TBR long-haul tires first unveiled at last year's TMC show; available now
• eSmart City AU56
  • Electric commercial vehicle tire for high load capacity, extended battery efficiency, and tread life; available Q4 2025

In addition to the new tires, Hankook elaborated on the next phase of their expansion plan, which upon completion will allow the Tennessee plant in Clarksville to employ approximately 2,200 people and achieve an expected annual production capacity of 10 million Passenger Car and Light Truck (PCLT) and 1 million TBR tires.

The company said that the new additions to their tire line, along with any future truck and bus tire products, will be brought to market under the Hankook Smart Brand and utilize Hankook's Smartec technology philosophy, integrating innovations such as self-generated 3D sipe technology and new tread compounds.

"With advanced, new tech-forward products and the promise of a significant expansion of our TBR manufacturing capacity, we look forward to continuing our growth and industry leadership, especially in such an innovative sector," said Rob Williams, president of Hankook Tire America Corp.