Hankook Tire Plans for Strong OE Partnerships in 2018, Looks to Continue Growth in U.S. Market

Hankook Tire Plans for Strong OE Partnerships in 2018, Looks to Continue Growth in U.S. Market

Nashville, Tenn. (February 2, 2018) – After securing valuable original equipment (OE) partnerships in 2017 with two of the top-selling sedans on the market, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, Hankook Tire plans to continue expanding its OE relationships to include some of the nation’s leading automotive brands.

            Hankook is currently discussing opportunities with several top-tier U.S. auto manufacturers to become the OE supplier for a handful of popular 2019 models in addition to securing notable partnerships for 2018. The company’s current and upcoming OE contracts prove that Hankook is a key player and trusted brand in the U.S. market.

            Most recently, Hankook has produced a fitment for the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The Navigator
will be available with a Hankook 285/45R22 RH12 Dynapro HT all season fitment. 

            “We are honored that respected automotive brands are entrusting us to supply their vehicles with Hankook tires,” said Hankook Tire America Corp. President Hosung Suh. “We are thrilled to partner with America’s leading auto makers, and we are confident that our technologically innovative, state-of-the-art products will enhance the performance of their vehicles.”      

            Capitalizing on the successful grand opening of its first North American manufacturing facility late last year and the production of its first American-made tire, the Kinergy PT, Hankook is dedicated to becoming a top-tier brand among American consumers. The company is looking to strong OE partnerships as an important step in achieving this goal.              

            “In addition to the Lincoln Navigator, we are looking forward to pursuing OE opportunities in 2018 that will help drive Hankook forward as a premier brand in the American market,” says Eric Shirley, director of sales for Hankook Tire America’s OE Division. “We are excited for automakers and consumers to experience the exceptional quality of our products that are being produced in America for American consumers.”

            Hankook has also recently begun distribution of its first sound-absorbing “silent foam” tire in North America, which has been fitted for the 2018 Nissan Rogue SV. This groundbreaking new technology, designed to reduce road noise and enhance the driving experience, is achieved through a special noise-absorbing polyurethane foam inlay sheet that is applied to the inside of the tire.

Hankook Tire America Corp. is a growing leader in the U.S. tire market, leveraging investments in technology, manufacturing and marketing to deliver high-quality, reliable products that are safer for consumers and the environment. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Hankook Tire markets and distributes a complete line of high-performance and ultra-high-performance passenger tires, light truck and SUV tires as well as medium truck and bus tires in the United States. Hankook Tire America is a subsidiary of Hankook Tire Co., Ltd., a Forbes Global 2000 company headquartered in Seoul, Korea, and led by President and CEO Hyum Bum Cho.