Premium tyre maker Hankook has been selected to supply its Ventus evo SUV summer tyre as original equipment for Volkswagen's popular Tiguan and new Tayron models, with a total of 11 different sizes available across the two SUV ranges.
The Korean manufacturer will provide six different tyre sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches for various versions of the best-selling Tiguan, which has achieved remarkable success with well over a million registrations in Germany alone. A further five sizes have been developed for the Tayron, Volkswagen's crossover SUV that is offered in both five and seven-seater configurations.
The development process saw close collaboration between Hankook and Volkswagen, with engineers targeting a balanced handling profile that combines comfort and performance whilst achieving the lowest possible noise levels. The Ventus evo SUV features a segment-specific tread design and an innovative compound that delivers high mileage and excellent handling without compromising safety.
Klaus Krause, Vice President and Head of Europe Technical Center at Hankook, highlighted the significance of the partnership: "The provision of original equipment for the two SUV models Tiguan and Tayron is further proof that the Volkswagen Group considers Hankook one of its top development partners in the tyre sector. We have succeeded in perfectly matching our premium summer tyre, Ventus evo SUV, in every tyre size to the driving characteristics of the two models and achieved our goal of combining the requirements for high comfort over long distances with a sporty character."
The original equipment tyres can be identified by a distinctive plus sign within a circle on the tyre sidewall, signifying that they have been developed to Volkswagen's exact specifications and approved for fitment on new vehicles. Development and fine-tuning of the Ventus evo SUV tyres took place at Hankook's Technology Center in Hanover, with production handled at the company's European plant in Rácalmás, Hungary.
A key priority during the development phase for both the Tiguan and Tayron applications was the comfort-oriented driving characteristics of the Ventus evo SUV, with particular emphasis on achieving low noise levels. Both the carefully designed tread pattern and the specially formulated compound contribute to reduced rolling noise, with the Ventus evo SUV achieving a noise level below 66 decibels, comfortably within Volkswagen's specifications and contributing to the maximum overall noise level of 68 decibels for both SUV models.
The premium tyres incorporate several advanced technologies, including Opti Pitch technology, which optimises the size and positioning of tread blocks, and Kerf design, which also provides noise-reducing benefits. Dual Pitch technology ensures an optimal number of blocks on the inside and outside of the tread, maximising steering precision during cornering whilst simultaneously lowering rolling noise. Development engineers also adjusted tread height to reduce noise levels without compromising traction, braking performance, cornering stability or maximum mileage.
Hankook subjected the Ventus evo SUV tyres to comprehensive testing under both laboratory conditions and demanding real-world scenarios. The various tyre sizes were evaluated on vibrating tracks and put through their paces on the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit. The 17-, 18- and 19-inch sizes have been engineered for maximum driving comfort, whilst the 20-inch variants offer a notably sportier character, allowing Volkswagen to differentiate the driving experience across different trim levels and customer preferences.
Tagged with: Hankook Ventus evo SUV, Volkswagen Tiguan tyres, Volkswagen Tayron tyres, OE fitments, tyre noise regulation, European tyre production, SUV tyres UK, tread design optimisation, low rolling noise, Hanover development centre
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
Sign up for our weekly briefing on key developments across the sector.
