Hankook Tyres is known for its passion, determination, and commitment to excellence. Today we will talk about how, from a cycle tyre brand, it established itself as a global leading car tyre brand.

How did it all start?

Hankook tyres rose to prominence during the monopolistic era of the tyre market. Step by step, they progressed to become one of the most trusted brands in the industry.

Founded in the early nineteen-forties in South Korea during World War II, they were known as the Chosun Tae Company. They were initially a bicycle tyre company. But as South Korea began to recover from the Korean War, they started truck and car tyre production in the early fifties.

The 1960s saw many corporate changes in the world, which proved to be an important time for the industry as well. This caused Chosun car service Coventry Company to change its name to “Hankook Tyre Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Global presence

Hankook’s global expansion began in the seventies when they opened their first international office in the US.

They further expanded their worldwide market by setting up operations in the early eighties. They wanted to gain the trust of the people and they succeeded in that because of the good quality they were offering. Everything was going well for them as they were on the way to establishing themselves as global competitors.

Using technology in the industry

 

In the early nineties, the world was moving forward in the sector of technology and this affected the tyre industry as well. This trend goes in favour of Hankook as they were already investing heavily in research to upgrade their company standards.

 

The Conquest of Europe

To conquer the European market, Hankook chose Germany as its European headquarters. Germany has long been known for its automotive market. This told a strong story in the market. Later, their European headquarters was converted into a research and development centre. which focused on developing tyres to meet the needs of European drivers.

 

Changing course with motorsports

Motorsports were engaged in by Hankook to enhance their reputation. They took part in a lot of racing, like Nürburgring 24 hours and German Touring Car Masters MOT Coventry. Motor sport was also an area from which they gained knowledge. With that knowledge and the money they make from motorsport, they designed their tyres for better grip and longer life.

Later, in 1995, the high-performance Hankook tyre line was launched. “The Ventus Series”, became famous for its remarkable technology and unique performance.The main focus of this tyre line was to make sure that people who love sports cars should prioritise this tyre line.

Environmental Concerns

 

Companies related to automobiles were known to produce a lot of pollution because of the raw materials and machinery involved. So, to work on the individual level hankook took the initiative and started making tyres which use most of the Sustainable products. With the help of various methods, they also reduced NOx emissions by more than forty per cent. Even presently Hankook Tyres is committed to the betterment of nature and focuses on using renewable energy mostly.

How are they currently positioned?

With its presence in more than one hundred fifty countries delivering tyres for every climate conditions, It is clear that they are competing to become one of the largest car tyre brands in the world. Through years of consistency, they have positioned themselves as the sixth largest tyre manufacturer in the world. Hankook Tyres is known for its investment in the research sector which improves its overall production and sets a benchmark in front of the world.

They hold a commitment to enhancing social responsibility through their work. They engage in many kinds of community initiatives and environmental protection measures. This makes them dedicated to having an effect that reaches above the tyre industry.

But how are their tyres performing?

This year only, in the auto express product of the year awards they won some of the awards for their premium tyre lines, such as Ventus and Kinergy. These awards prove Hankook’s commitment to quality. You must be wondering why only premium brands are shown here. Well, don’t worry they offer good cheap tyres online as well.

 

In the end, I can only say that Hankook’s journey has been inspiring for every major tyre brand in the world. It is a learning for every one of us, as how a cycle tyre company which is experiencing the aftermath of world war, grows to become one of the biggest tyre manufacturers of the world. I hope this blog post was worth your time and made you aware of the history of Hankook tyres.