Page 29 - CTB N8 - 2014-04

PRODUCT NEWS
Hankook e-cube Blue TL20
With its new e-cube Blue TL20, Hankook is expanding its range of trailer tyres to include a particularly environmentally-friendly tyre for long-distance transportation.
trends in the industry and is adapting to requirements in long distance transportation. As a environmentally-friendly addition to the successful e- cube MAX line-up, the new e- cube Blue TL20 has naturally
been made with all the fundamental e- cube technologies like the Hankook Innovative Mixing System (IMS), which ensures optimised rolling resistance, and the patented Stiffness Control Contour Theory (SCCT), which increases durability of the carcass and improves retreadability properties.
"The e-cube Blue
TL20 truck tyre is a consistent addition to our e-
cube series, which is already ver y successful on the market and oriented towards high environmental-compatibility and maximum operating efficiency", Ho-Youl Pae, Head of Hankook Tires Europe, explained. "This makes it a perfect example of our Kontrol Technology."
TL20
When developing the new tyre, Hankook's engineers put particular emphasis on sustainability. A new tread compound reduces rolling resistance by 8 percent thereby saving valuable energy while driving. Meanwhile, the associated reduction of fuel consumption and higher mileage creates important operating efficiency factors and reduced C02 emissions. The optimised tread design
of the Hankook e-cube Blue TL20 provides high braking performance on wet roads and superior wet grip. Four wide, circulating, main drainage grooves improve aquaplaning performance
and also reduce noise levels. The wide design of the tread surface has been developed especially for low wear and improved mileage. The innovative mixing
technology increases the service life of the tyres by 55 percent compared to standard products.
With the launch of the-cube Blue TL20, Hankook is reacting to developmental
Continental Launches Third Generation Retreads from ContLifeCycle Plant
Continental have announced the launch of the ContiRe EcoPlus HT3 tyre, which is the retreaded version of the company’s third generation trailer tyre Conti EcoPlus HT3, and the first of such retreaded tyres to leave the new ContiLifeCycle plant in Hanover. The new tyre features newly adapted polymer rubber compounds for treads and sidewalls, stable, closed shoulder belts, and an improved tread concept "Plus Volume Pattern", which is claimed to improve rolling resistance
consumption of valuable resources such as natural rubber and the production energy that is reduced by up to 70 percent compared with new tyre production also improves the environmental impact of hauliers." According to Sass, the improvements in rolling resistance achieved by the latest ContiRe products are of major importance when it comes to calculating total costs. If a retread is more than 10% worse in rolling resistance than the new tyre, then this
impacts on the benefit of providing a new life for the tyre, which, he explains, will become more apparent should labelling eventually be introduced for retreads.
“The introduction of labelling for retreads will improve overall retread quality in the industry and significantly help achieve improvements in rolling resistance,” he adds.
As with all Continental truck tyres, the new ContiRe EcoPlus HT3 also features the company’s patented AirKeep® innerliner to prevent gradual loss of air pressure. All retreaded ContiRe tires also benefit from the same manufacturer guarantees as for new tyres. According to Sass, developments at
the ContiLifeCycle plant are running more or less on track. Initially the company began producing at about the factory’s capacity but after a year of operation, the company is now ramping up production. “We are currently not yet in a position where we can cover all demand, but we are moving to the second stage on our plan, which is a recognition that the concept is recognised. Overall we see
by up to 26 percent as well as the tyre’s handling characteristics.
The optimised grip in the newly adjusted tread compound transfers the trailer's cornering forces and high share of the braking torque to the road. In addition, the pyramid-shaped triangular ribs integrated into the base of the tread groove stabilise the trailer tyre against flexing in the tread width. Christian Sass, head of Truck Tires
Retreading EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) explains the efficiency of Continental’s range of retreaded tyres: "Premium retreading significantly helps fleet operators and carriers reduce their tyre costs by up to 25 percent. This generates the lowest overall driving costs within our ContiLifeCycle. The lower
a continuous trend of users realising the benefits of retreads. The new HT3 Ecoplus ContiRe has only taken 6-7 months to be introduced to the market, which is a further sign that we are following a highly retread- oriented strategy.”
Commercial Tyre Business 29