Hankook intensifying cooperation with Schmitz Cargobull

Schmitz Cargobull trailers have rolled out the factory on Hankook-supplied tyres since 2013, and the two companies began collaborating in full-service business early last year after signing a further agreement covering the European market. During the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Germany last month, Hankook Tire and Schmitz Cargobull signed a new agreement that extends their cooperation until 2019.

The cooperation announced at the IAA includes prolonging the existing original equipment supply contracts, increasing the two companies’ fleet business strategic cooperation on a European level, expanding the full-service range as well as developing the Hankook trailer tyre spare parts business through a sales cooperation already in place between the Schmitz Cargobull Service Partner network and mutual service partner Pneunet.

This cooperation offers the trailer manufacturer’s contract customers full-service concepts, including standardised conditions for tyres, tyre services and tyre management in the vehicle fleet. It also covers tyre changes that are undertaken due to wear, punctures, deadline monitoring and fleet checks (air pressure adjustments). In addition, comprehensive cost and mileage analyses can be made available to fleet operators.

“The further, long-term extension of the strategic partnership with Hankook is the right logical step for us, since Hankook’s strategy effectively supports the Schmitz Cargobull strategy,” states Bernhard Schmitz, shareholder and deputy general manager – purchasing at Schmitz Cargobull. “We feel that the long-term cooperation with Hankook will complement our premium products so that we can deliver optimum transport solutions to our customers.”

Tony Lee, vice-president for sales and marketing at Hankook Tire Europe, adds: “Stepping up our partnership with Schmitz Cargobull is of strategic importance to us, particularly since it boosts both our OE and spare parts business in the trailer segment.”

Hankook Tire currently supplies the trailer manufacturer with 11 tyre sizes for original equipment fitment. The initial emphasis for Schmitz Cargobull’s regional and long haul original fitment tyre business with Hankook is the European market, and the 19.5-inch and 22.5-inch e-Cube MAX and SmartWork product supplied to the trailer manufacturer include the mega-trailer size 445/45R19.5, 435/50R19.5 and 455/40R22.5. All Hankook tyres are delivered directly to Schmitz Cargobull’s production plants in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.