Hankook unveils new tyres for trailers and electric buses

Hankook has announced the launch of two new specialized tyre products at the IAA Transportation 2026 exhibition.

The Smart Flex TH51 is a new trailer tyre designed for regional-distance transport. It utilizes 3D-printed tread moulds and “Hidden Groove” technology to maintain performance throughout its lifespan. As the tyre wears, interlocking sipes and concealed grooves are gradually exposed to maintain grip and wet-surface adhesion. The design aims to optimize high mileage and low rolling resistance.

Additionally, the company introduced the e-SMART City AU56, its first tyre specifically engineered for all-electric city buses. This tyre is designed to handle high load capacities and high torque transfer while featuring reinforced sidewalls to resist damage from urban curb strikes. The development process utilized AI-assisted design and digital twin testing to prioritize low rolling noise for passenger comfort and durability through S-shaped sipes and step-shaped tread blocks.