Sandbichler new Hankook Tire Europe Motorsports Manager

A new man is heading up Hankook Tire’s motorsport activities in Europe. Manfred Sandbichler, who has almost 20-years’ tyre industry experience under his belt and joined the company’s German division in 2003, was named manager of Motorsports on March 15.

Sandbichler’s previous responsibilities at Hankook Reifen Deutschland GmbH include the company’s motorsports involvement and German market tuning business. Projects he was involved in include the endurance racing project with Alzen Motorsport, the VLN Series and the 24 hours race at the Nürburgring. He also initiated the company’s involvement in the former Suzuki Rallye Cup and the participation of Wallenwein Rallye Sport in the German Rallye Championship (DRM). Additional highlights included the cooperation with premium tuner Hamann Motorsport as well as various trade fair appearances at the IAA in Frankfurt, the Essen Motor Show and Tuning World Bodensee.

 “We are pleased that Manfred Sandbichler will now be joining our European headquarters to contribute his extensive business and technical expertise to the development of Hankook motorsports activities for all of Europe,” said Hee-Se Ahn, vice president Sales and Marketing at Hankook Tire Europe. “He has successfully initiated activities in all areas of motorsports and tuning which have already made a substantial contribution to the enhancement of Hankook’s brand reputation on the German market.”

“I am very happy about this new challenge and the confidence that Hankook Tire has in me,” Sandbichler commented. “Our medium-term goal for European motorsports is to achieve effective coordination and bundling of our activities in this segment. Our aim is to position our company and the Hankook brand within European motorsports in such a way that the importance of our brand is clearly reflected in this arena as well.”