Hankook secures first BMW OE with Ventus Prime²
BMW has selected Hankook’s Ventus Prime² for several of its 1 Series models. The Hankook tyre will be fitted to the 116i, 118i, 116d and 118d in size 195/55 R16V. The upmarket 120d will also receive the Ventus Prime², in size 205/55 R 16W. The 1 Series fitment is Hankook’s first OEM deal with the German vehicle manufacturer.
Hankook describes its first supply of tyres to BMW as representing a “further milestone” in its global expansion plans. “BMW is one of the few car manufacturers that have succeeded in combining the latest environmental protection and safety requirements with the traditional brand values of sportiness and dynamics, and is a trendsetter when it comes to energy efficiency,” stated Jin-Wook Choi, Hankook Tire executive vice-president and COO for Europe. “The fact that we are to supply our products as part of the original equipment of one of the most important volume models produced by the company gives proof or the reputation that Hankook products have gained amongst premium car manufacturers. All Hankook employees are very proud of this global partnership with BMW.”
The Ventus Prime² was introduced in the first quarter of 2011 and is intended to serve as an evolution of its predecessor, the Prime, a tyre that sold more than ten million units during its time on the market. “The newly developed chassis of the BMW 1 Series places particularly high demands on the tyres,” commented Stefan Fischer, who is head of Hankook Tire’s European Technology Centre and responsible for BMW Group tyre development. “They must be able to dynamically transfer the engine power of the car directly onto the road, whilst guaranteeing a level of long-distance comfort yet uncommon in this vehicle category. Our new Ventus Prime² offers the right balance between driving comfort and agile dynamics for the new BMW 1 Series, without compromising on important safety and environmental parameters such as wet grip and rolling resistance.”
Although much of the Ventus Prime² range is manufactured in Hankook’s Rácalmás plant in Hungary, the tyres supplied to BMW as original equipment are currently manufactured in the tyre maker’s main factory in Geumsan, South Korea.
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