Nokian Tyres has just unveiled the world’s first non-studded winter tyre concept with studs in connection with the 80th anniversary of the winter tyre. With this revolutionary concept tyre and its unique stud technology the inventor of the winter tyre gives a hint of the things to come in the future. With a press of a button, the driver can bring out the studs to improve the grip of the tyre. When the studs are not needed, they can be retracted back into the tyre.

With the combined non-studded and studded tyre the driver makes the switch when the conditions clearly change. Studs are not used on dry roads and stable winter conditions, but they can be activated in icy weather for extreme safety. So you can have the advantages of a studded winter tyre combined with the advantages of a non-studded winter tyre.

The concept tyre of the world’s leading winter tyre specialist utilises the tread pattern and structural solutions of the newly introduced Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV studded winter tyre. The studs on all four tyres raise and lower at the same time. The body of the stud remains in place, and the moving part is the hard metal pin in the middle of the stud.

“This new concept tyre is an amazing technological feat. The unique stud concept may indeed become a reality one day”, says Matti Morri, Technical Customer Service Manager for Nokian Tyres. “As the pioneers of the winter tyre world, we show that it is possible to combine the advantages of a studded winter tyre with the advantages of a non-studded winter tyre.“

Nokian Tyres developed and manufactured the world’s first winter tyre to match the Northern frost in 1934. Two years later, the engineers at the tyre factory came up with an improved solution for passenger car drivers struggling with the slippery winter roads, and they called it the Nokian Snow-Hakkapeliitta. Nowadays, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta is one of the world’s best-known winter tyre brands.

Nokian WR winter tyres are optimised for European weather and the higher speeds on European motorways. They are test winners and have achieved numerous further test successes. In many European countries, driving with studded tyres is not permitted.

Nokian tyres are available from local tyre service companies, for tyre change also as complete wheels on rims. Motorists should replace their old winter tyres with new ones on reaching a tread depth of four millimetres.

Nokian Tyres are distributed in Ireland by AgriGear, of Bailieborough, County Cavan.