NEU ISENBURG, Germany (Dec. 24, 2014) — Daimler A.G. has selected 16- and 17-inch sizes of Hankook Tire Co. Ltd.'s Vantra LT and Ventus Prime² tires, respectively, for fitment on the Mercedes V-Class full-size passenger van.
The eight-passenger V-class van is Mercedes' attempt to “redefine” the multi-passenger vehicle (MPV) segment, the Stuttgart, Germany-based auto maker said. Top of the range models of will be available with Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Vantra LT
The V-class van was introduced in March 2014 in a rear-wheel-drive configuration, Mercedes said, with three output levels: 136 hp, 163 hp or 190 hp. Mercedes claims the V-class has segment-leading aerodynamics, with a Cd figure of 0.31.
Hankook said Mercedes is fitting the V-class with either the Ventus Prime² performance tire in size 225/55R17 101 V XL or Vantra LT summer light truck tire in size 205/65R16 C 101/103 H. Hankook did not say which V-class models will use its tires.
The Ventus Prime² offers reduced noise and elevated rolling comfort with “significantly” reduced rolling resistance, while the Vantra LT offers enhanced tread life, reduced rolling resistance and improved wet grip.
Hankook Tire Europe G.m.b.H. produces the tires at its factory in Rácalmás, Hungary, according to Byung Il Woo, vice president of Hankook's Global OE Division, allowing Hankook to provide “customized and improved product supplies.”
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