Hankook Smart Flex TH51 Debuts at IAA Transportation 2026

Hankook Tire & Technology Co Ltd (Hankook Tire) is presenting the new generation of the Smart Flex TH51 trailer tire in a world premiere at IAA Transportation 2026. The new tire completes the Smart Flex series for regional-distance transport and is designed for single-axles on semitrailers and trailers. Hankook has developed the tire around low rolling resistance and high mileage, while also introducing tread technology intended to preserve grip and performance as the tire wears. The Smart Flex TH51 therefore combines durability, efficiency, and consistent operating performance within a trailer-specific application.

Smart Flex TH51 Technology Supports Performance Throughout Tire Life

The new Smart Flex TH51 features Hankook's “Hidden Groove” technology, which uses 3D-printed tread molds to create concealed grooves and 3D sipes within the tread. These features are progressively exposed as the tread wears, helping the tire maintain grip and performance throughout its service life. The approach is designed to address performance changes that occur as tread depth decreases, rather than relying only on the tire's initial tread configuration. For regional-distance transport applications, this technology supports the tire's stated objective of combining high mileage with sustained operating characteristics over its usable service period.

Tread Design Targets Traction, Wear, and Water Evacuation

The tread design combines zigzag grooves with drainage grooves and channels to support traction while reducing irregular wear and improving water evacuation. These features work together as part of the tire's overall performance design for semitrailers and trailers. The groove arrangement is intended to help the tire maintain contact and traction under varying road conditions while providing pathways for water to move away from the tread. Alongside the concealed groove technology, this tread configuration reinforces the Smart Flex TH51's focus on maintaining useful performance characteristics as mileage accumulates during regional-distance transport operations.

Smart Flex TH51 Initial Size and Year-Round Certification

The Smart Flex TH51 carries the 3PMSF marking, providing certification for year-round use, and will initially be offered in the 385/65 R22.5 size. Hankook plans to add further sizes after the initial availability, expanding the tire's application potential across compatible semitrailer and trailer configurations. The initial size provides a defined starting point for the product's rollout, while the planned size expansion indicates that the new generation is intended to become a broader part of the Smart Flex offering. Its combination of mileage, rolling resistance, tread technology, and year-round certification forms the core of the product's positioning.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The Smart Flex TH51 strengthens Hankook Tire & Technology Co Ltd's trailer-tire portfolio by completing its Smart Flex series for regional-distance transport and emphasizing performance retention over the tread's service life. For fleet and trailer operators, the stated combination of low rolling resistance, high mileage, traction, irregular-wear control, water evacuation, and 3PMSF certification addresses several practical tire-performance priorities within one product. The initial 385/65 R22.5 availability establishes the first application point, while additional planned sizes could broaden adoption across compatible trailers as the product rollout develops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new Hankook Smart Flex TH51 trailer tire?
The Hankook Smart Flex TH51 is a new-generation trailer tire designed for regional-distance transport and single-axle semitrailer and trailer applications. It combines low rolling resistance with high mileage and uses Hidden Groove technology to progressively expose concealed grooves and 3D sipes as the tread wears. The tire also uses zigzag grooves, drainage grooves, and channels to support traction, reduce irregular wear, and evacuate water. It carries the 3PMSF marking for year-round use and will initially be available in 385/65 R22.5, with additional sizes planned.