The results of a number of comparative tyre tests have been published in various magazines during the last month or so, including in several Auto Bild titles. Hankook Tire has commented on the victory of its Ventus Prime³ in Auto Bild’s annual test of 50 size 205/55R16V summer tyres, and on the second place attained by the Hankook Ventus S1 evo² in the 20-inch (255/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear) tyre test published in Auto Bild Sportscars.
A Jaguar F-Type, half a dozen 20-inch tyre models, and nothing much to complain about – these are the key ingredients in the latest tyre test from Auto Bild Sportscars. The German magazine’s test of premium and quality segment tyres focused on the front axle size 255/35 and rear 295/30 size. All of the six tested brands carried the ‘Y’ speed rating.
It appears that Hankook Tire has introduced a low rolling resistance version of its flagship Ventus S1 evo² tyre. A statement released following the company’s Frankfurt motor show press conference refers to the addition of “very low rolling resistance versions in several sizes” and states that two of these dimensions have been selected as original equipment tyres for the Mercedes-Benz C350e plug-in hybrid.
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.
An all-new Mini entered the market this year, and it’s longer and wider than the previous model – 107 mm longer and 44 mm wider in hatchback form, to be precise. But not everything has changed; Hankook remains original equipment supplier for the Mini, and is providing four tyre lines for the new-generation car. All original equipment tyres for the Mini are produced at Hankook’s factory in Hungary.
The recently-launched 4-Series Coupé has become the sixth BMW Group model to be fitted with Hankook tyres. The 4-Series will be factory equipped with Hankook’s high-end Ventus S1 evo² in size 225/50 R 17 W.
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.
In recent times run-flat champion BMW has spurned this particular sort of tyre for a number of entry-level models, and now it is offering its 316d to 320d and 316i to 320i with standard tyres. Hankook has been selected as a supplier for this more affordable end of the range; its Ventus S1 evo² has will be fitted in size 205/60 R16 W as original equipment. Following on from the Mini and the 1-Series, the new 3-Series is the third BMW Group model to be fitted with the Korean manufacturer’s tyres.
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