Audi has approved Hankook tyres as an original equipment option on its Q7 range, including the recently-launched Audi SQ7 TDI. Together with other Q7 models, the SQ7 TDI will be available with the Hankook Ventus S1 evo² SUV in size 285/35 R 22 106 Y XL, a tyre that contains Hankook Tire’s new ‘sound absorber’-technology.
Starting immediately, Hankook Tire has become exclusive tyre supplier to a Dutch racing Series. The company says its supply to the ‘Supercar Challenge powered by Hankook’, as it is known, is a long-term arrangement. The 2017 season of the Supercar Challenge begins on 14 April at Zandvoort. Races will be held on eight weekends at venues in Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Belgium and Austria.
Recognising the attractiveness of all-season tyres to the majority of the UK market, leading weekly magazine Auto Express has conducted its second comparative test of six products in the segment. Testing on the bestselling 17” size, 225/45R17, the magazine used the independent Test World facility, with support from Hankook, to test in snow, and Continental’s Contidrom to test in cold and wet conditions to represent winter, and dry conditions to represent summer. The full test also included two leading seasonal tyres, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1 winter tyre and the Continental ContiSportContact 5 summer tyre, which showed that all-season products continue to represent a compromise; however the performance gaps in the tests most relevant to UK drivers may surprise critics of year-round tyres.
Hankook Tire reports sales revenues of KRW 1.657 trillion for the third quarter of 2016, 3.9 per cent lower than in the corresponding quarter a year ago, and operating profit of KRW 297.1 billion. Operating profit increased 22.9 per cent compared to the same period of 2015.
Hankook Tire reports that its Sealguard anti-puncture technology is now being applied to its winter tyres. For the upcoming season, certain original equipment fitments – the Volkswagen Passat and Touran are two models Hankook specifically names – will receive i*cept evo tyres containing the sealing material, which can seal tread punctures up to 5mm in diameter.
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 Tyre Industry Awards have been presented for 2016 during the sold-out NTDA Annual Dinner, this year hosted by the Vox Conference Centre on the site of Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. In addition to the various gongs, the NTDA presented Sir Tom Farmer with the National Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Tyre Industry, sponsored by Hankook UK, while Brian Funnell and Lennie Wells were also made NTDA Honorary Life Members. Presented by television personality Suzi Perry, the winners were decided by a panel of leading industry judges, and the results live-tweeted by Tyrepress via its Twitter feed.
Competitive fare pricing has led to a surge in intercity bus passenger numbers across Europe, and operators within this segment can choose from a growing range of products specifically designed for bus and coach use. Hankook Tire has now launched its new range for this market, the SmartTouring.
In addition to unveiling several new products, Hankook Tire’s big news from the IAA Commercial Vehicles show is its approval by Scania as an original equipment tyre supplier. As of November, Hankook Tire will supply 18 tyre dimensions to all Scania truck and bus models produced in Europe. According to Stefan Brückner, Hankook OE account manager Europe, 11 of these 22.5 inch dimensions will be for the important long haul segment, and the other seven for regional haul applications.
Following a restructuring of Hankook Tire’s truck tyre business in German-speaking markets, Manfred Zoni has taken over as sales director for the ‘DACH’ markets of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Zoni’s appointment took effect 16 September, and in his new role he reports directly to Dietmar Olbrich, the tyre maker’s vice-president for sales and marketing in the DACH region. He succeeds Friedel Loke, who recently retired after holding the position of northern region sales director at Hankook Reifen Deutschland GmbH for more than 18 years.
Hankook has signed a three-season global partnership contract with Real Madrid. The deal, which began in July 2016, was marked by a contract signing at the globally famous team’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium, where Hankook’s advertising has been visible on perimeter hoardings in 2016/17 season home games. Hankook Tire worldwide president and CEO Hyun Shick Cho and Real Madrid CF president Florentino Pérez were joined by members of the first team squad for the occasion. The Korean manufacturer said the partnership adds 450 million Real Madrid fans from different global markets, allowing Hankook to strengthen its engagement and reach out to consumers around the world.
The Korea Tire Manufacturers Association (KTMA) reports that the total value of tyres imported into Korea reached US$511.48 million (561.6 billion won) in 2015, up 63.8 per cent from $312.27 million in 2010. Tyre imports in the first half of 2016 (January to June) also increased, growing 6.2 per cent year-on-year to $250.84 million.
Both sales and operating profit were up year-on-year at Hankook Tire in the second quarter of 2016. The tyre maker comments that sales growth was driven by higher sales of UHP tyres in Europe and North America and higher original equipment sales outside of the company’s South Korean home market.
New solutions for coach operators and hauliers wishing to maximise fuel efficiency and cargo space will form the core of Hankook Tire’s product portfolio at next month’s IAA Commercial Vehicles show.
Hankook Tire has commented on the naming of its DynaSYNC concept tyre as a Red Dot Design Award 2016 winner. Company chairman and chief executive officer Seung Hwa Suh describes the Red Dot recognition as a “great honour” for Hankook. “Receiving the award solidifies Hankook Tire’s commitment and determination to lead future driving through progressive innovation and creative design. Hankook Tire will continue to contribute to advancement in driving with aspiration for innovative technology.”
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