Korean tyre maker Hankook Tire has gained its first Porsche original equipment fitment with the supply of two size combinations to the Macan. The Porsche deal covers 18 and 19-inch versions of the Ventus S1 evo² SUV; the Hankook tyres will be supplied in either sizes 235/60 R 18 for the front wheels and 255/55 R 18 for the rear or 235/55 R 19 front and 255/50 R 19 rear.
The original equipment supply relationship between Hankook Tire and truck trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull AG has been extended by the signing of an agreement said to detail the two companies’ further long-term cooperation. According to the terms of this agreement, Hankook’s original equipment business with Schmitz Cargobull will initially concentrate on the European market. Nine 19.5 and 22.5 inch trailer sizes from the e-cube range, including the new 455/40 R 22.5 e-cube MAX, and the SmartWork range will be supplied to the trailer manufacturer.
Two Hankook tyres have been selected as original equipment fitments on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class. The MPV will receive the Ventus Prime² in size 225/55 R 17 101 V XL and the Vantra LT in size 205/65 R 16 C 101/103 H. Both tyre specifications are manufactured in Hankook’s plant in Hungary.
Hankook Tire Europe has announced an upgrade to its AH11 truck tyre and the introduction of its DH05+ pattern into Europe. These tyres are – as first announced at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in September – fitted to the Mercedes-Benz Atego Euro VI as original equipment in sizes 215/75R17.5, 235/75R17.5, 265/70R19.5 and 285/70R19.5, depending on vehicle specification. Fitment on the world’s best-selling distribution truck is Hankook’s first European Daimler commercial vehicle tyre deal.
Its tyres are already fitted on Mercedes-Benz S- and E-Class cars, and now Hankook Tire reports it has begun supplying Daimler AG original equipment tyres for the C-Class, including run-flat tyres. The midsize Mercedes receives both standard and HRS (Hankook Runflat System) versions of the Ventus S1 evo² in size 225/50 R17 W. This is the first time that Hankook has supplied run-flat tyres as original equipment.
One of the most effective means of elevating brand awareness is through original equipment fitments, and after rising through the ranks of aftermarket tyre suppliers, Hankook Tire is busy assembling a portfolio of new vehicle approvals that place it in league with the world’s best-known and trusted tyre brands. The list of Hankook original equipment approvals from the last few months alone includes fitments for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and E-Class, plus the BMW 5-Series and X5. These deals come at a time of growth for Hankook’s performance tyre business – as evidenced by the 12.9 per cent year-on-year rise in European UHP tyre sales during 2013 – and Hankook is in the mood to celebrate its success. The tyre maker recently invited journalists from Europe and beyond to Spain in order to get to know the company and its latest Ventus lines a little better.
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