Hankook Tire America received a 2013 outstanding supplier award under the polymer category in its first year as a supplier to Blue Bird Corporation.
The award recognizes Hankook’s efforts as an original equipment tire supplier for Blue Bird’s line of school buses. A Blue Bird partner since 2012, Hankook provides its AH12 steer position and Z35A drive position bus tires as original equipment fitments for the company’s wide range of school buses.
“Being recognized by Blue Bird as an outstanding supplier highlights our dedication to exceptional product quality and service,” said Brian Sheehey, director of commercial tires at Hankook. “We appreciate this award and what it says about our commitment to not only our original equipment manufacturing partners, but our bus customers as well.”
The company added that it currently offers 19 truck tire models providing coverage for all truck and bus tire service applications, which are available at more than 900 commercial tire dealer locations nationwide.
Sheehey told STN last year that Hankook had upped production of low rolling resistance low rolling resistance tires to meet the rising demand for more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly products. NHTSA identified these tires as a key element to increasing fuel economy for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, as the agency is partnering with the EPA to finalize new regulations that also target a reduction of greenhouse gases.
“Hankook Tire has addressed this demand by increasing truck and bus tire production for 2013,” said Sheehey. “We don’t foresee any issues in the area of providing LRR tires to meet the needs of our customers.”
