The first of the new Hakka summer tyres masters the northern summer

Nokian Hakka Green – naturally safe

The new Nokian Hakka Green summer tyre uniquely combines the needs of drivers on northern roads. The environmentally friendly novelty, featuring superior grip and driving response, reliably deals with all summer conditions: the rough and scorching hot asphalt, roads wet after intense rain and the steadily cooling weather in late autumn. The extremely low rolling resistance means that Hakka Green rolls lightly, saving both fuel and the environment.

The Nokian Hakka Green has a rolling resistance which is 15 percent lower than that of the Nokian Hakka H, its test-winning predecessor, which means a nearly 3 percent decrease in fuel consumption. Compared to average summer tyres, the Hakka Green saves 5–8 percent in fuel, while also generating less exhaust emissions.

The fuel savings of an average Nordic driver using lightly rolling Hakka Green tyres would amount to nearly one tank (41 litres) a year. The reduction in CO2 emissions from driving would be 106 kg. If all Finnish motorists used Nokian Hakka Green tyres, annual fuel savings would be over 114 million litres, which corresponds to 2,077 trailer loads. Carbon dioxide emissions would decrease by some 296,000 tonnes. (*

Pine oil stimulates easy rolling

No compromises were made in the persistent development of the driving properties of the new tyre. The development was based on the Nokian Hakka H, a multiple test winner that has earned praise, especially for its low rolling resistance and dependable grip. The superior handling and grip properties were further fine-tuned on test tracks in the Nordic countries, Germany and Spain.

“The main challenge for tyre manufacturers is to create products that merge reliable safety properties with the green values expected by consumers. The new, environmentally friendly structural and material solutions that we’ve studied for several years contribute to the stable characteristics of the Nokian Hakka Green. This product combines lightly rolling driving experience with an incredibly precise driving response in extreme situations,” says Teppo Huovila, Vice President, R&D from Nokian Tyres.

The unique Hakka Green Silica tread compound, adapted to variable northern conditions, skilfully combines safety and environmental friendliness. Ensuring excellent wet grip at all temperatures, the full-silica compound also contains Nordic pine oil, which effectively lowers the temperature of the rubber compound by reducing the friction caused by intermolecular movement. Thanks to the new state-of-the-art rubber compound, the Nokian Hakka Green, at home in both hot summer and cool autumn weather, endures and rolls lightly in difficult conditions, consumes less fuel and minimises emissions harmful to the environment.

Excellent durability further enhances the environmental friendliness of the Nokian Hakka Green. Drivers used to high speeds can also rely on this expert of northern summer roads to serve long and obediently through age and wear. The sturdy and strong structure endures the mechanical strain of poor road conditions intact.

More kilometres, quieter driving

The Nokian Hakka novelty features a lower rolling resistance and excellent wear resistance compared to its predecessor, thanks to numerous technical innovations. The semi-round cavities on the sides of the longitudinal ribs, resembling a golf ball pattern, cool the tyre. This new Silent Groove Design reduces drag and ensures better mileage thanks to lower fuel consumption.

The side design of the longitudinal ribs serves to control both inside noise and drive-by noise. The cavities that control air flow cut off the noise stimuli generated by the edges of the longitudinal grooves and prevent any unpleasant, whistling noise. The stable body structure and carefully selected materials further dampen blows and vibration, contributing to the pleasantly silent driving with the Nokian Hakka Green.

Venturi grooves help to prevent aquaplaning

The unexpected thunder showers and always dangerous aquaplaning, typical of northern summers, do not shake the stable and sturdy Nokian Hakka Green. The polished main grooves speed up the removal of water from grooves. The optimised, open design of the mouth of the main grooves increases the groove volume and thus helps to prevent aquaplaning.

The “Venturi grooves” on the tyre’s inner and outer shoulder further help to prevent aquaplaning. The shaped grooves located between the shoulder blocks speed up the outflow of water. The speed of water flow increases at the point of constriction, resulting in a negative pressure that effectively removes water between the tyre and driving surface. The Venturi effect is widely used, for example, in the automobile industry. Venturi tunnels located under vehicles are designed to create a negative pressure between the track surface and the car body, which results in downforce. The carefully designed, asymmetrical inside-outside tread pattern also improves the aquaplaning properties of the Nokian Hakka Green.

According to Nokian Tyres’ comparison tests, the aquaplaning resistance of the Nokian Hakka Green is on average 4 percent better than that of the eco-focused summer tyres of its main European competitors.

Droplet symbol draws attention to the risk of aquaplaning

Tyres that are in good condition increase safety by significantly reducing the possibility of aquaplaning. In addition to the DSI (Driving Safety Indicator) patented by Nokian Tyres, the tyres also feature an aquaplaning indicator. Its droplet symbol disappears when less than four millimetres of the tread are left, reminding the driver of an increased risk of aquaplaning.

The info area provides space to record the correct tyre pressures during installation. Correctly pressurised tyres enhance safety, improve steering response and reduce fuel consumption.

The birch leaf symbol on the sidewall and tread guarantees the purity of rubber compounds. Only purified, low-aromatic oils are used in all Nokian Tyres’ products.

For small and medium-sized family cars

The carefully tested Nokian Hakka Green, offering high wear resistance, ensures that drivers can travel safely and comfortably in all road and weather conditions. Each tyre conveys the same pioneering skills and environmental respect as the Hakkapeliitta winter tyres, which have scored more victories in tests than any other tyres worldwide. True to the strong traditions of its family, the Hakka Green is the first product to be launched in the new Hakka summer tyre range by Nokian Tyres.

Nokian Hakka Green is designed for small and medium-sized family cars and encompasses products in the T, H and V speed categories. The new tyre replaces both the Nokian Hakka i3 and the Nokian Hakka H products.

Additional safety from the Hakka Warranty

Nokian Tyres has developed, tested and patented solutions that promote driving safety for more than 70 years. It is the world’s only tyre manufacturer that designs its summer tyres especially for the cool, demanding and variable northern conditions.

Nokian Tyres grants an extended product warranty against breakdown for all Nokian Hakka summer tyres. If a correctly used and fitted tyre accidentally breaks down in normal usage, it will be replaced, free of charge, with a corresponding new tyre. The Hakka Warranty is valid to a groove depth of four millimetres for a maximum of one year from the date of purchase.

The Nokian Hakka Green size range will first include 24 items in the T, H and V speed categories. Retail sales of the new Hakka product will begin in spring 2011 in the Nordic countries, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.

* Fuel savings have been calculated based on the following figures in Finland: number of passenger cars, 2.8 million, and annual average mileage, 16,500 km. Summer tyres are estimated to account for 60% of the mileage. The estimated fuel savings of Hakka Green are 6%. As for CO2 emissions calculations, the same figure (6%) has been used for Hakka Green, since all CO2 results from fuel combustion. The Road Traffic Information Centre estimates the average emissions of passenger cars to be around 178/g/km.

Properties:

Safety for northern conditions

• Ideal combination of top-notch driving response and environmental friendliness;
• Effective aquaplaning prevention offered by Venturi grooves: aquaplaning resistance, on average, four percent better than that of the eco-focused summer tyres of the main European competitors;
• Excellent wet grip in extreme conditions;
• Stable, precise and pleasantly silent;
• Innovations: Venturi grooves, Silent Groove Design, open design of the mouth of main grooves.

Superior environmental friendliness

• Remarkably low rolling resistance ensured by optimised structure, tailored tread pattern and the unique Hakka Green Silica rubber compound;
• 5–8 percent reduction in fuel consumption and less exhaust emissions;
• The greenness of Hakka Green complemented by environmentally friendly materials, such as pine oil;
• Innovations: Hakka Green Silica, Silent Groove Design

Durability on rough roads

• Stable body structure and carefully selected materials dampen blows and vibration;
• High wear resistance on demanding and variable northern roads;
• Innovations: Hakka Green Silica, optimised strong structure.

Key innovations:

Silent Groove Design. The semi-round cavities on the sides of the longitudinal ribs, resembling a golf ball pattern, cool the tyre and reduce drag. New technology improves wear resistance and lowers fuel consumption. The cavities that control air flow also prevent any unpleasant, whistling noise. The design makes driving pleasantly silent.

Hakka Green Silica rubber compound. The new environmentally friendly full-silica compound ensures excellent wet grip and a low rolling resistance at all temperatures. The pine oil added to the rubber compound improves wear resistance.

Venturi grooves. The shaped grooves located between the shoulder blocks speed up the outflow of water. The speed of water flow increases at the point of constriction, effectively removing water between the tyre and driving surface.

Nokian Hakka

The Nokian Hakka summer tyres are tailored to rough roads and variable summer weather. A perfect fit for northern, demanding, cool conditions is at the heart of the Hakka products. Bumpy and poor roads with potholes, as well as quickly changing and wet weather conditions are the home ground of Hakka summer tyres. Nokian Tyres is the world’s only tyre manufacturer that designs its summer tyres especially for northern conditions.

Pictures: www.nokiantyres.com/HakkaGreen

Further information:
Nokian Tyres plc, Teppo Huovila, Vice President, R&D, tel. +358 10 401 7701, teppo.huovila(at)nokiantyres.com

www.nokiantyres.com