Speculation is rife in South Korea regarding who’ll acquire the 42.1 per cent shareholding in Kumho Tire that is currently up for sale. Pirelli parent company ChemChina has already been named as a prospective buyer, as have Continental and Michelin. One tyre company can, however, be ruled out as a new Kumho Tire shareholder.
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 official opening of the ‘Hankook Technodome’ took place today. The tyre maker’s new central research and development centre is located in Daejeon, South Korea, not far from its existing (and still operational) R&D centre, and is described by the company as “an embodiment of Hankook Tire’s strong commitment in R&D innovation” and a “core instrument” of Hankook’s global R&D infrastructure.
Hankook Tire extends its sympathies to the family of Peter Großklaus following his sudden and unexpected death on 5 August. Großklaus served as director of Hankook’s original equipment passenger car tyre business in Europe and had worked for the tyre maker since 2006.
Following on from its debut in almost 50 markets since the start of 2015, including its European premiere at the IAA motor show, the rollout of Hankook Tire’s Laufenn brand continues. Hankook Tire has stated an aim to sell Laufenn tyres in 70 countries by the end of this year, and the latest markets to receive the range are Australia and New Zealand. A total of seven Laufenn summer and all-season lines will be sold in these two countries.
Not only was Hankook Tire present at Reifen 2016 with products from its flagship Hankook brand, including its new Ventus Prime³ comfort tyre and innovations such as Sealguard and sound absorbing foam, the South Korean manufacturer also presented its second brand, Laufenn, which is now being introduced into European markets.
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