Nokian Hakkapeliitta range expanded: new winter tyres for vehicles of varying size

Nokian Tyres’ product range will soon feature three new Hakkapeliitta winter tyres. The latest winter tyre for passenger cars is the studless Nokian Hakkapeliitta R, of which a special SUV version designed for sports utility vehicles will also be introduced. The traditional Hakkapeliitta is also conquering a new territory: the winter traction tyre Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E is the first member in the truck and bus tyre family. All of the new products are designed for the company’s core markets in the Nordic countries and Russia.

When designing the novelties, the focus was on the creation of genuine winter tyres that operate safely and reliably in demanding conditions varying from wet weather to hard frost. Adjusting to the sudden changes in weather and temperature, they address the challenges imposed by climate change and the increasingly frequent extreme phenomena. Rolling lightly, the Nokian tyres reduce fuel consumption and thus also harmful emissions.

Solid grip – low emissions

The sidewall of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R is labelled with the words ultra low rolling resistance. This promises that the tyre will roll very efficiently without wasting energy and that it is economic and environmentally friendly.

The driver can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 200 litres over a driving distance of 40,000 kilometres. With the fuel price of €1.45 per litre, this amounts to savings of nearly €300. The carbon dioxide load is correspondingly reduced by 480 kilograms. Other harmful emissions that weaken air quality will likewise be reduced.

The low rolling resistance of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R has not been achieved by compromising on grip properties. The tyre surpasses its predecessor’s braking ability on icy, snowy and, especially, wet roads. Wet grip has indeed been substantially improved through the patented pump siping. The improved grip properties are the result of a new, Nordic winter compound.

The new tyre belongs to the speed category R (170 km/h), which is higher than in most competing products. The widest size range on the market offers 44 sizes ranging from 13” to 20”.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R will be available in tyre outlets in the autumn of 2008.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV – new friction tyre for SUV drivers

SUV drivers in Russia and the Nordic countries have been expecting a reliable studless winter tyre for their vehicles. Tailored for sports utility vehicles, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV draws from the same sources of innovation as the corresponding product designed for passenger cars. Thanks to the tread pattern and compound innovations, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV surpasses the standard level of friction tyres’ ice and wet grip.

The development efforts also focused on driving stability. A sturdy and stable driving response is particularly important when driving a big and heavy SUV. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV also has low rolling resistance, allowing the tyre to roll lightly without wasting energy.

Thanks to the most extensive and versatile size offering in the market raging from 16” to 20”, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV fits almost all SUVs.

The new SUV tyre belongs to the speed category R (max 170 km/h). The corresponding competitor products are usually rated in the lower Q (max 160 km/h). Retail sales of the tyre will begin in the Nordic countries, Russia and other major markets in the spring of 2008.

Hakkapeliitta tyres also for heavy vehicle professionals

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck product range has been specially designed for truck and bus transport in the Nordic countries and Russia; for drivers who appreciate uncompromised grip and excellent driving stability. In the future, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck product range will be expanded with versatile new products.

Designed for freight transport, buses and timber trucks, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E (Extreme) tyre is the result of years of intensive development work, combining relentless grip with excellent wear resistance.

The Hakkapeliitta winter traction tyre is economic and environmentally friendly. It rolls lightly, which saves fuel. Similar to other Nokian tyres, the tyre is manufactured without any high aromatic oils that are classified as harmful and stressful to the environment.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E will be available in the Nordic countries and Russia in August.

For further information, contact: Nokian Tyres plc

• Teppo Huovila, Product Development Manager, tel. +358 10 401 7701, [email protected]