Unique safety from the world-leading winter tyre manufacturer

New Nokian WR winter tyres – Forget the Forecast

The new Nokian WR winter tyres offer a virtuoso combination of safety and carefree driving pleasure. This advanced new-generation tyre family is a reflection of Nokian Tyres' tailor work at its best: Nokian WR D3 and Nokian WR A3 are designed for different vehicles and drivers but for any winter weather. These environmentally friendly premium products feature nanotechnology, canola oil and the solid winter expertise of Nokian Tyres, which guarantee their reliable functionality in the typically varying winter conditions of Central Europe.

Extreme weather-related phenomena have become increasingly common, and this has opened drivers' eyes to appreciating the safety of high-quality winter tyres. Central Europe in particular has experienced varying types of weather this winter, from pouring rain to heavy snowfall. In response to this, the long-term product development work on the new winter tyre family essentially focused on achieving relentless grip in all conditions and an accurate, comfortable driving response that is reliable without surprises.

"We utilised our top expertise and knowledge of all types of winter conditions. Thanks to nanotechnology, new materials and innovations, as well as our modern production technology, we are able to provide drivers with tyres that have first-class grip and handling properties," explains Teppo Huovila, Nokian Tyres' Vice President, R&D.

Computer models to illustrate the Nokian WR tyres' function, and thorough laboratory work that focused on rubber compounds, led to unique solutions. The extensive research efforts were complemented by uncompromising tests in arctic conditions at Nokian Tyres' test centre in Ivalo, Lapland. In addition to winter testing, the products were fine-tuned at several test tracks in Central Europe. The test track in Nokia, Finland, features a unique slush planing test method that enabled optimising the tyres' outstanding slush properties. The final, premium safety concept was achieved as the result of close co-operation between development teams and test drivers.

Nokian WR D3 for the economic driver, Nokian WR A3 for sporty use

In 2010, approximately 50 million passenger car winter tyres were sold in Central Europe, which represents an increase of over 16% on the previous year. Targeted at the growing Central European winter tyre market, Nokian Tyres' newest tyre family was designed without compromise. The family comprises tyres with two different tread patterns to optimally respond to the needs of different size categories. In a fashion typical of custom design, the rubber compounds and structures were also designed to suit varying weather conditions and different drivers.

The Nokian WR D3, with an arrow-shaped tread pattern, is a durable alternative for medium-sized and small family cars and drivers who value safe, economic driving. The Nokian WR A3, on the other hand, is optimised for larger and more powerful vehicles with a special emphasis placed on the tyre's sensitive driving response even at higher speeds.

Cryogenic Canola Compound for extreme ice, snow and wet grip

The new tyres' tread rubber compound, the Cryogenic Canola Compound, is a novel combination of natural rubber, silica and canola oil that optimises winter grip, wet grip and wear resistance in varying temperatures.

The new kind of full-silica compound contains so-called Cryo silane, which enhances the functionality of the rubber mix. Canola oil provides higher resistance to tear and improves ice and snow grip. Thanks to the high silica content, the environmentally friendly Nokian WR tyres feature a very low rolling resistance, lower fuel consumption and fewer harmful emissions than their traditional competitors.

The Nokian WR is green at heart, and it is also a typical example of Nokian Tyres' principle of sustainable development: its properties remain nearly unchanged even upon ageing and wear.

Nokian WR D3: Slush Blower against aquaplaning and slush planing

Studies have shown that slush is even more dangerous for drivers than ice or aquaplaning. The risk of fatal accidents is more than four times as high on slush than on dry surfaces. Melting snow, a layer of water on the road surface and possibly also ice form a combination that makes driving very difficult even for experienced drivers.

The Nokian WR D3 has a directional tread pattern with new solutions to actively prevent slush planing.

"We further enhanced the tyre's resistance against aquaplaning and slush planing by applying a slanting, staggered front edge of tread blocks. This new innovation is called Slush Blower, because it actually blows water and slush away from the tyre grooves. The polished grooves also speed up the removal flow of water and slush, " Huovila tells us.

Cool Touch for lighter rolling

The carefully tested structural and tread pattern solutions of the Nokian WR D3 guarantee excellent dodging and steering properties and good driving stability. The light rolling properties and durability are enhanced by several new solutions and innovations.

Computer and thermographic camera simulations were utilised to find the optimal symmetric tread design. The strong siping does not break the edge of the block, which ensures excellent grip and enables the framed block to maintain its rigidity. This Cool Touch Design also minimises the friction and heat emission caused by unnecessary sipe movement. The tyre rolls easily and supports effortless, energy-saving motion with its low rolling resistance.

Thanks to the uniform tread structure, the Nokian WR D3 responds to steering movements quickly and has a calm, quiet contact with the road.

Nokian WR A3: Nanobase for optimal stability

Good contact with the surface is a basic characteristic of a reliable, safe winter tyre. At the same time, the continuously increasing engine power rates and load indexes require special properties also from winter tyres. The tread design, structural solutions and tread rubber compound must form a sturdy yet responsive entity.

Nokian Tyres' tests have shown that an asymmetrical, open-centre tread pattern is the best solution especially for tyres used at high speeds. The sporty Nokian WR A3 features an asymmetrical inside-outside tread pattern that enables reliable grip without compromising high-speed driving properties. The inner shoulder design enhances the removal of water and slush.

"A stable driving response is emphasised at higher speeds. This has been a particular focus in the development of the Nokian WR A3. It has a Nanobase support layer at the bottom of its strong cap & base structure. The smaller molecular structure enabled by nanotechnology improves the tyre's steering properties and control when driving in corners, changing lanes and dodging. The tyre has exemplary control properties in extreme situations both on gripping and slippery surfaces. Thanks to its innovative structure, the Nokian WR A3 is safe and accurate even in demanding conditions," Huovila describes.

Representing the most advanced new technology, the Nanobase structure also reduces the tyre's harmful heat emission and, consequently, lowers its rolling resistance.

The golfball-like Silent Groove Design for a more pleasant response and higher mileage

The semi-round cavities on the sides of the longitudinal ribs, resembling a golf ball pattern, cool the Nokian WR A3 and make it safe even at high speeds. This innovation, called Silent Groove Design, also reduces drag and ensures better mileage thanks to lower fuel consumption. Moreover, it successfully minimises the inside and pass-by noise of the vehicle: the cavities cut off the noise stimuli generated by air flow and prevent any unpleasant, whistling noise.

Tyre noise is a key factor behind a pleasant driving response. The Silent Sidewall Technology increases driving comfort. Both Nokian WR tyres have a distinct zone in the sidewall, which filters the noise and vibration emitted from the road surface through the tyre tread and relays it to the bead area to reduce the noise heard inside the vehicle.

The new innovation 3D Lock Sipe featured on the WR A3 locks the outer shoulder area's blocks together during the contact with the road, which makes the structure sturdier. The blocks cannot move when driving; instead, they support each other. This ends unnecessary sipe movement, which lowers the tyre's heat emission and further enhances its driving properties.

Winter Safety Indicator for added safety and comfort

Flawless winter driving is possible only if the tyres are in good condition. Nokian Tyres' new products are equipped with the comfort-adding Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) with the unique snowflake symbol, the Winter Safety Indicator.

Patented by Nokian Tyres, this standard element located on the tyre's tread blocks indicates the depth of the main grooves in millimetres. The snowflake symbol remains visible until the groove depth is four millimetres. When the symbol disappears, the vulnerability to slush planing and other such phenomena increases significantly and the driver should purchase new winter tyres in order to ensure safety.

The tyre sidewalls have the familiar info area for tyre pressure recommendations. The right tyre pressure makes steering more accurate, reduces tyre damage and lowers fuel costs.

Nokian WR tyres are available in a wide range of sizes from 13” to 20”, speed ratings ranging from T to W. These new winter products aimed particularly at the Central European markets will be available for retail in the autumn of 2011.

Releases, photos and videos: www.nokiantyres.com/NewNokianWR

Nokian WR D3 - Forget the Forecast

• Reliable grip on wet, dry and snow-covered roads alike
• Durable and economical even in demanding use
• Effective slush- and aquaplaning prevention
• Rolls lightly, saving the environment and fuel
• Innovations: Cryogenic Canola Compound, Slush Blower, Cool Touch Design, Silent Sidewall Technology, DSI + WSI

Nokian WR A3 - Forget the Forecast

• Absolute grip and excellent handling in all winter conditions
• Stable and easy to control even at high speeds
• Rolls lightly, saving the environment and fuel
• Innovations: Cryogenic Canola Compound, Nanobase, 3D Lock Sipe, Silent Groove Design, Silent Sidewall Technology, DSI + WSI

Innovations:

Cryogenic Canola Compound. This tread rubber compound is a novel combination of rubber, silica and canola oil that optimises winter grip, wet grip and wear resistance in varying temperatures. The high silica content enables very low the rolling resistance, lower fuel consumption and fewer harmful emissions compared with the traditional competitors.

Slush Blower. The slanting, staggered front edge of the block enhances wet and ice grip. The Slush Blower blows water and slush away from the tyre grooves.

Cool Touch Design. The strong siping does not break the edge of the block, which ensures excellent grip and enables the framed block to maintain its rigidity. Cool Touch Design also minimises the friction and heat emission caused by sipe movement. It lowers the tyre's rolling resistance, which translates into effortless, energy-saving movement.

Silent Sidewall Technology. The special zone on the tyre sidewall cuts off the noise and vibration emitted from the road surface through the tyre tread. By dampening noise, it makes driving more pleasant.

Nanobase. A special Nanobase support layer is used at the bottom of the multi-layer tread structure. The smaller molecular structure enabled by nanotechnology improves the tyre's steering properties and ensures exemplary control when driving in corners, changing lanes and dodging.

Silent Groove Design. The round cavities on the sides of the longitudinal ribs, resembling a golf ball pattern, cool the tyre and reduce drag. New technology improves wear resistance and lowers fuel consumption. The cavities that control air flow also prevent any unpleasant, whistling noise. The design makes driving pleasantly silent.

3D Lock Sipe. The 3D Lock Sipe locks the outer shoulder area's blocks together when in contact with the road. This reduces unnecessary sipe movement, which enhances the tyre's resistance against wear and tear even in poor road conditions.

Polished grooves. Stylish functionality: slush and water flow easily and efficiently off the slick and polished main grooves, and the lateral grooves open to the sides.

Nokian Tyres – an expert in winter conditions

Nokian Tyres is the only tyre manufacturer in the world that focuses on products and services that facilitate safe transportation in Nordic conditions. The company's innovative passenger car, van and heavy-duty machinery tyres are mainly marketed in areas that have snow, forest and changing seasons that make driving conditions demanding.

For over 75 years, the company has been developing, testing and patenting solutions that promote driving safety. The world's first winter tyre was created to tackle the freezing temperatures and winds in 1934. Since then, top-range products refined with northern know-how have been introduced on a regular basis.

The world’s northernmost tyre manufacturer tests its products under demanding and extreme conditions at its own test facilities in Ivalo, 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. At the beginning of the 1990s Nokian Tyres became the first company to develop unique slush planing tests for winter tyres. In 2002, Nokian Tyres introduced the Nokian WR, which was the first winter tyre designed for fast driving (M + S) in the world. This was followed in 2007 by the Nokian WR G2 that has been praised in test reports for its exemplary grip and special ability to prevent slush planing.

Respect for the environment is one of the fundamental values of Nokian Tyres. The company has systematically worked towards minimising environmental hazards. Nokian Tyres was the first tyre manufacturer to switch over to using only purified, low-aromatic oils in its production. Raw material and material choices are aimed at avoiding unnecessary burdens on the environment.

Nokian Tyres owns the Vianor tyre chain that comprises more than 770 stores in 20 countries. The company's net sales for 2010 totalled approximately EUR 1 058 million, and it had 3,500 employees. Nokian Tyres Plc's shares are quoted on the Helsinki Exchanges' NASDAQ OMX. For more information, see www.nokiantyres.com

Further information:

Nokian Tyres plc, Teppo Huovila, Vice President, R&D, tel. +358 10 401 7701, teppo.huovila(at)nokiantyres.com

www.nokiantyres.com