Nokian unveiled the world's first mass-produced tire with retractable studs (4 photos)
Nokian Tyres has announced an unusual new product, which the company's management calls one of the greatest achievements since the introduction of the first winter tire 90 years ago. This is the Hakkapeliitta 01, a unique feature that automatically adapts to road conditions: the tire can be studded or non-studded. 
On-Demand Grip technology, which Nokian has been working on bringing to production since 2014, uses the temperature of the road surface and the tire itself as a marker for changes. Thanks to a special rubber compound and layered design, the stud retracts into the tire when the temperature rises and returns to its original position when the tire cools.
Nokian believes that this tire provides the necessary level of grip on ice, while on dry roads, contact with the road surface becomes more controlled and soft, and steering is more precise. The studs reduce road wear by 30%, improve wet grip by 5%, and also reduce noise levels by one decibel.
The new tire will go on sale this fall. Nokian expects to sell the Hakkapeliitta 01 in northern Europe and the Americas. It will be available in sizes for passenger cars and SUVs. 
