Hankook Tire, the leading and one of the fastest growing tire companies in the world, is expanding its original equipment involvement with Daimler AG. As of now, Hankook Tire is also equipping the brand new Mercedes-Benz C-Class with high performance tires from its multiple award-winning Ventus line. The medium-sized limousine is now the third model of the luxury brand from Stuttgart, following the Mercedes-Benz S- and E-Classes, that is being fitted with Hankook Tire original equipment. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is also currently being equipped with Hankook Tire’s Ventus S1 evo2 high-end tires in sizes 225/50 R 17 W in the standard as well as the runflat versions.

"The new C-Class is already the third Mercedes-Benz premium model that has been equipped with our high performance tires in the last twelve months. It thereby documents consistently recognized high performance both in development as well as in production," explained Byung-il Woo, vice president of the Global OE Division at Hankook Tire. "We are particularly proud that the Hankook Runflat System, which is produced in Europe, is able to satisfy the high demands of the Mercedes-Benz engineers when it comes to safety, driving dynamics as well as comfort. This original equipment is therefore further proof of the worldwide technological competence of the Hankook Tire brand."

In addition to the standard version of Ventus S1 evo2, Hankook Runflat System (HRS), which is being used for the first time in the premium original equipment segment, has been especially adapted by Hankook developers to fit the typical Mercedes aspects of safety and comfort for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Even in the test phase, both versions of the Ventus S1 evo2 being used were distinguished by predictable, reliable handling, outstanding braking performance, high directional stability, low rolling noise and significantly reduced rolling resistance. The reason for it, among others, is a significant weight reduction (less unsprung mass) thanks to an extremely lightweight and highly durable steel cord material used for the belt package technology that is also found in the Hankook racing tires in the DTM. The rubber mixture used is also purely high-tech. By extending the mixing periods at reduced temperatures a significant increase of the compounding rate is achieved in the tread surface area and a significantly more targeted cross-linkage between the carbon black and rubber molecules. The result is less heat development during the drive, which also has a positive effect on driving dynamic and particularly on rolling resistance and wear-out properties. Furthermore, a specially developed styrene-polymer also significantly increases the grip level of the tires for outstanding braking and traction performance in wet conditions.

Source: rubberworld.com