Hankook inaugurates Technoring

An opening ceremony took place on 25 May for the largest proving ground in Asia, Hankook Technoring. Hankook Tire & Technology says the facility in Taean, South Korea will serve as a state-of-the-art research and development centre for its “most advanced products to come.” The ceremony was attended by senior management, partners and media.

Hankook Technoring covers an area of 1.26 million square metres, or 125 football fields, and features the longest test track in the region. The facility is home to 13 test tracks in total and is suitable for testing all types of vehicles, from buses to supercars, at up to 155 mph or 250 km/h.

The proving ground also features a control tower, office buildings, workshops, fuelling stations, and electric vehicle charging stations. The 37.1-metre-high control tower manages test progress through integrated monitoring systems to consider various test surface and climate conditions.

The 37.1-metre-high control tower manages test progress through integrated monitoring systems (Photo: Hankook Tire)

Tyres the key for maximising vehicle performance

“Tyres, being the only media in a vehicle that makes contact with the road surface, is the key for maximising vehicle performance, providing safety, satisfying fuel efficiency, and driving comfort. This is why we at Hankook recognise the need for various testing grounds to ensure best product quality in all conditions,” says Hyunbum Cho, chairman and chief executive officer of Hankook & Company.

Through the completion of the Hankook Technoring, Hankook Tire states it has “established a complete R&D infrastructure for further advancing its innovation capabilities.” It expects synergies between this infrastructure and existing Hankook facilities such as the Technoplex and Technodome.

“The strengthened R&D infrastructure will allow Hankook to continue taking the lead of the automotive industry in the future. As a mecca for breakthrough innovations, Hankook Technoring will play a pivotal role in providing optimal solutions for upcoming e-mobility and autonomous vehicle era, meeting premium carmakers’ stringent and diversified demands,” states Hankook Tire.

Aiding digital development

Data gained through testing at the Technoring will help Hankook Tire accelerate its digital transformation. The company is working to build a big data analysis platform and develop virtual optimisation technology based on artificial intelligence. The tyre maker also aims to create a database of how tyres and vehicles perform in severe environments and then use this information to build a digital ‘twin’ that it can use for future development.

Furthermore, Hankook Tire plans to actively seek opportunities to cooperate with mobility companies, research and educational institutions, and start-ups while “fostering a driving culture” by utilising the Technoring’s state-of-the-art infrastructure. “This will lead the company not only to continue innovating its R&D capabilities but also to contribute to the advancement of global mobility technology.”