NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Hankook Tire America Corp. is adding an all-position bus tire, the SmartCity AU04, designed for stop-and-go usage in variable road conditions that commercial city transport buses encounter.
Hankook said the AUO4 is designed with a core structure and compound that is "significantly" more heat resistant than comparable tires, which allows for "enhanced" safety and reduced wear, which yields longer service life on city buses.
The tire's multi-purpose performance tread design combines two zig-zag groove patterns to improve wet traction and braking and "optimized" rib spacing between tread sections for improved fuel efficiency. An expanded sidewall protector gives protection from side impacts.
"The SmartCity AU04 represents not only our continued investment in innovation and commercial growth, but also our ability to provide customers with new state-of-the-art products to enhance driving capabilities," Rob Williams, vice president of commercial sales, said.
The tire incorporates elements of Hankook Tire's Smartec technology, which is designed to enhance product performance in key areas such as wet and dry conditions, durability and safety.
The AU04 is available in size 305/70R22.5. It's now one of two commercial bus tires Hankook offers in North America, alongside the SmartTouring AL22 for motor coaches.