Finnish tyre developer and manufacturer Nokian Tyres has developed a new winter tyre by mixing pine resin and canola oil into the rubber formula as part of a wider drive to reduce dependence on petroleum oils.
Suitable for passenger cars, crossovers and sport utility vehicles, the company’s Hakkapeliitta 01 studded winter tyre features on-demand grip provided by double action stud technology which allowed it to automatically adapt to changes in temperature, Nokian Tyres said on 2 March.
As the temperature changed, the retractable studs adjusted automatically between on and off modes, the company explained. When the tyre warmed up, the softened compound allowed the stud to sink deeper into the tyre, improving grip on dry and wet roads. When it cooled down, the stud protruded from the tread, improving grip on ice and snow.
“This new winter tyre … responds to temperature changes to deliver ultimate safety while protecting the road,” said Paolo Pompei, Nokian Tyres president and CEO.
As a result of the retractable studs, the tyre reduces road wear by up to 30%, improves ice grip by up to 10% and wet grip by up to 5%, compared to its predecessor, according to the company.
In addition, the tyre reduced noise levels by as much as one decibel.
“We didn’t want to compromise between superior ice grip and low road wear, which is a common trade-off in winter tyre development,” said Mikko Liukkula, Nokian Tyres development manager.
The company said the new Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 product range would be available in the second half of 2026.
Nokian Tyres produces the tyre at its factory in Nokia, Finland, and its main markets are the Nordic countries and North America.
