April launch for Hankook Tire America dealer programme

At a recent dealer event, Hankook Tire America unveiled plans to launch an associate dealer programme during 2012. US-based industry publication Tire Review reports company officials as saying the as-yet unnamed programme will be formally introduced on 1 April. While details are still being finalised, the programme will apparently feature a tiered volume- and product-based bonus reward system. Participating dealers will receive start-up and POS kits. Hankook shares that distributors will be eligible for cash rewards based on sales volume and sales of key premium tyres.

Concurrent with the programme launch, Hankook will also go live with a programme website that enables retailers and wholesalers to track their order and sales history and progress to reward goals. The website will also include an area for dealers to order sales aids, POS materials and signage, and gather images and information to create their own advertising. Hankook also intends to upgrade its three-year-old Empowerment website by adding online training, updated product information and other features.

While Hankook did not lift the drapes on any new tyres during its Partner’s Day event in the Dominican Republic, it did inform dealers that run-flat versions of its Ventus S1 evo (17- and 18-inch sizes, V- and W-rated), Ventus Prime2 (16-inch sizes), and Icebear W300 winter tyre (16- and 17- inch sizes, V-rated) will soon appear in the company’s product catalogue.