Hankook Tire launches new 12R22.5 size for SmartFlex DH51 premium tire

Hankook Tire & Technology said Monday it is expanding its truck and bus tire lineup by launching a new 12R22.5 size of the SmartFlex DH51, a premium rear-axle tire for large cargo trucks, in the domestic market.

The SmartFlex DH51 is a premium rear-axle tire for large cargo trucks and tractors optimized for medium- and long-haul vehicles. Built on Hankook Tire's advanced truck and bus tire technology platform "Smartec," the tire balances key performance attributes including safety, mileage, chip-and-cut resistance, retreading capability and braking force.

The new 12R22.5 size is one of the most in-demand specifications in the domestic large cargo market. Its addition brings the SmartFlex DH51 lineup to seven sizes in total, up from six: 315/80R22.5, 315/70R22.5, 295/80R22.5, 275/70R22.5, 265/70R19.5 and 245/70R19.5.

The tire features "3D sipe" technology, which reinforces bonding between tread blocks, and "hidden groove" technology, which changes the tread shape as wear progresses. Together, these technologies maintain stable drainage performance even as the tire wears, delivering strong driving stability on wet roads.

In addition, an asymmetric tread pattern and an optimized kerf count effectively suppress abnormal noise during driving and improve chip-and-cut resistance. An enhanced bead structure — the section that connects to the rim — also significantly boosts bead durability.

The SmartFlex DH51 is available at TBX (Truck Bus Express), Hankook Tire's dedicated truck and bus tire store network.

Meanwhile, Hankook Tire recently extended its winning streak at the 2026 What Tire Awards, hosted by the influential British tire trade publication What Tire, with 11 products recognized across nine categories — marking six consecutive years of wins.