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Hankook and Vaculug will introduce the LB01 hot-cure remoulded urban bus tyre at Euro Bus Expo in November, adding a new retread announcement to their established tyre lifecycle partnership.
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The LB01 will be presented at the NEC Birmingham from 3–5 November, where Hankook will exhibit on stand 38. Its announcement identifies the product as an urban bus tyre, but does not establish launch sizes, load and speed ratings, permitted axle positions or electric-bus suitability. A commercial supply date is also unconfirmed. These details will determine how UK operators can incorporate it into their tyre purchasing and casing management programmes.
Alongside the planned retread introduction, Hankook will showcase its e-Smart City AU56, developed specifically for all-electric city buses. The manufacturer announced the tyre in April 2026, so its November appearance is a further showcase of an existing product.
Hankook’s UK product listing specifies 275/70 R22.5, with a 152/149J load and speed rating, plus M+S and 3PMSF markings. Hankook states that the AU56 is suitable for all axle positions. Current UK stock levels and delivery timing remain unconfirmed.
The manufacturer says the AU56 addresses electric buses’ requirements for low rolling resistance, reduced noise and higher load capability. Reinforced sidewalls are designed to resist damage from kerbs and bus stop bays, while a three-stage indicator allows sidewall wear to be checked visually.
Hankook also says additional tread rubber and a reinforced carcass make the AU56 suitable for regrooving and retreading. These are manufacturer-stated capabilities, with individual vehicle fitment and subsequent casing acceptance still requiring confirmation. Europe & CIS
TNM’s earlier Alphatread and SmartLife coverage outlined Hankook’s Vaculug partnership and its approach to new tyres, regrooving and retreading. The LB01 announcement does not confirm that AU56 casings can receive the new pattern, so operators should establish eligible casings and application requirements before planning an AU56-to-LB01 lifecycle.
Tags: Hankook, Vaculug, LB01, e-Smart City AU56, urban bus tyres, electric bus tyres, bus tyre retreading, casing reuse, Euro Bus Expo 2026, fleet tyre management
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