NOKIAN TYRES LAUNCHES A NEW PRODUCT FAMILY FOR NORTHERN CONDITIONS

Nokian Tyres is to launch a brand new product family for northern conditions after a complete renewal of its Nordic winter tyre range. It comprises the new studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 2, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta C for delivery vans and the already launched Nokian Hakkapeliitta Q friction tyre.

The renewed product family, which offers tyre retailers the most competitive tyre range in the Nordic countries, will be available in the autumn of 2000. It will further strengthen Nokian Tyres' market position both in the Nordic countries and in Western Europe.

Nokian Tyres believes in the studded tyre
Regardless of continuously increasing sales of friction tyres, Nokian Tyres believes in the future of the studded tyre. In 1999, studded tyres made up approximately 84% of all winter tyres sold in Finland, approximately 70% in Sweden and about 51% in Norway.

The ice grip that studded tyres provide is needed in the extreme winter conditions of the Nordic countries. Studding increases safety in sudden changes of weather, which make icy road surfaces particularly slippery. In addition to improving their own driving safety, vehicles with studded tyres also enhance the safety of cars with friction tyres because studs buff the slippery road surface.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 2 is the first tyre to combine the best grip qualities of both studded and studless tyres. The new tyre combines the ice grip qualities of studded tyres with the snow grip properties of friction tyres.

Tailored winter expertise
Nokian Tyres is the only manufacturer in the world that designs tailor-made passenger car and delivery van tyres to suit different market areas and different customer needs. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 2, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta CQ friction tyres and the studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta C2 are designed for Nordic conditions, whereas the Nokian Hakkapeliitta NRW and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta CS are designed for Western European driving conditions.

Enclosed: Product information on the new launches

Further information: Raila Hietala-Hellman,
Vice President, Public Information,
tel. +358 3 340 7298
([email protected])

Kim Gran, Vice President, Car Tyres,
tel. +358 3 340 7524
([email protected])

www.nokiantyres.fi