WAYNE, NJ – Tire manufacturer Hankook Tire has announced that it has been selected as original equipment (OE) tire manufacturer by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). Under the terms of the agreement, Hankook Tire will be a major supplier for Freightliner Cascadia and Coronado models starting in May. The two flagship Freightliner trucks will be equipped with Hankook Tire’s fuel efficient AL11 steer and DL11 drive tires.

“An OE agreement like this one with a leader such as DTNA is yet another critical proof point of our strong brand, investment in R&D, and leading technology here in the United States,” said Soo Il Lee, President, Hankook Tire America Corp. “As our growth continues throughout 2012 and in the years ahead we look forward to extending not only this relationship but also expanding further in the premium truck tire market.”

Hankook Tire’s AL11 and DL11, which will be installed in Freightliner Cascadia and Corondo models, have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with Smartway Certification for their environmental performance. AL11 Long haul Steer tires are optimized for long haul driving conditions providing longer mileage while its innovative pattern design offers improved steering and handling. For DL11 Long haul Drive tires, Hankook applies a three dimensional Kerf design that aims to minimize abrasion while maintaining traction control. DL11 also comes with a new pattern design and compound developed specifically to achieve seamless performance and increased fuel efficiency for the Freightliners.  Supply will begin in May.

Hankook currently offers 17 truck tire models providing coverage for all truck and bus tire service applications and is available at more than 700 servicing commercial tire dealer locations.  Additionally, Hankook has a number of passenger car, light truck and commercial truck tire original equipment fitments agreements with several global, premium vehicle manufacturers.