Seung-Hwa Suh, vice chairman and CEO of Hankook, says this is the start of a significant move by the South Korean tyre manufacturer, which intends to build momentum in the HGV sector, increasing supply volumes and tyre sizes "in the near future".
Under its new contract with Daimler, Hankook Tire will supply four tyre types for the Actros – AL10 and DL10 long haul tyres, as well as its AM06 and DM03 on- and off-road tyres.
Hankook's AL10 is designed for handling, control and durability, and has been designed to prevent uneven wear across the tyre surface, using what the company calls an advanced tread design. It also claims improved stability and cornering performance, and will be supplied in two sizes: 295/80R22.5 and 385/55R22.5.
Meanwhile, DL10 majors on abrasion resistance along with driving performance (high grip and enhanced traction) and long-term durability. Tyre sizes available are: 295/80R22.5 and 315/70R22.5.
As for Hankook's on- and off-road tyres for the Mercedes Actros, AM06 and DM03 are both available as 315/80R22.5, and are designed for tough durability, also offering a claimed longer tread life and improved traction for arduous road conditions.
"Our innovation-driven investment in high quality, advanced tires has paid off with today's OE supply agreement for Mercedes-Benz trucks," says Seung-Hwa Suh.
"Hankook Tire will further expand its premium truck tire segment in the coming years by building off the cutting-edge ingenuity of our products."