Hankook Tire Company History | Hankook Tire United Kingdom

Hankook Becomes a Leading Global Tyre Company

Leading the driving industry through high-tech preeminence.

As part of the 70th Anniversary of our founding in 2011 we started building production facilities in Chongqing, China, and Bekasi, Indonesia, greatly strengthening our capacity for growth. In addition, Hankook was named the official tyre supplier for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in Germany, one of the world’s top three touring car competitions, and began the groundwork for yet another research centre with technologically advanced equipment in 2014.

For the future our aim is to reinforce our global competitiveness by strategically investing in a skilled labour force to expand R&D. Fostering creative and competitive personnel is also a goal at Hankook as we strive to continuously do our part as a member of the global community and grow in tandem with the world.

We are proud of our 70-year-long history and are paving the way for the future with a commitment to create new possibilities and overcome challenges that lie ahead. With our customers and society always in mind, our aim is to contribute to the development of the driving experience worldwide.

2017

Grand opening of Tennessee Plant in the U.S.

Opening of Technotrac, a test center for winter tires in Europe Hankook Tire uk - Our History

Opening of Technotrac, a test center for winter tyres in Europe

2016

Opened the company's new central research and development center, the Hankook Technodome

Named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI)

Signed a sponsorship agreement with Real Madrid C.F.

Selected as original equipment supplier for the all new BMW 7 Series

Hankook Becomes a Leading Global Tyre Company

Leading the driving industry through high-tech preeminence.

As part of the 70th Anniversary of our founding in 2011 we started building production facilities in Chongqing, China, and Bekasi, Indonesia, greatly strengthening our capacity for growth. In addition, Hankook was named the official tyre supplier for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in Germany, one of the world’s top three touring car competitions, and began the groundwork for yet another research centre with technologically advanced equipment in 2014.

For the future our aim is to reinforce our global competitiveness by strategically investing in a skilled labour force to expand R&D. Fostering creative and competitive personnel is also a goal at Hankook as we strive to continuously do our part as a member of the global community and grow in tandem with the world.

We are proud of our 70-year-long history and are paving the way for the future with a commitment to create new possibilities and overcome challenges that lie ahead. With our customers and society always in mind, our aim is to contribute to the development of the driving experience worldwide.

2015

Succeeded High-speed Driving without Air Pressure 'Hankook iFlex'

'Boostrac concept tyre' Wins the prestigious Red Dot: Luminary Award

Extended the premium original equipment supply to SUV Tyres on Porsche 'Macan'

2014

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Hankook's Tennessee Plant in Clarksville, U.S.

Groundbreaking ceremony for new R&D Centre, HANKOOK TECHNODOME in Deajon, Korea

Hankook Becomes a Leading Global Tyre Company

Leading the driving industry through high-tech preeminence.

As part of the 70th Anniversary of our founding in 2011 we started building production facilities in Chongqing, China, and Bekasi, Indonesia, greatly strengthening our capacity for growth. In addition, Hankook was named the official tyre supplier for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in Germany, one of the world’s top three touring car competitions, and began the groundwork for yet another research centre with technologically advanced equipment in 2014.

For the future our aim is to reinforce our global competitiveness by strategically investing in a skilled labour force to expand R&D. Fostering creative and competitive personnel is also a goal at Hankook as we strive to continuously do our part as a member of the global community and grow in tandem with the world.

We are proud of our 70-year-long history and are paving the way for the future with a commitment to create new possibilities and overcome challenges that lie ahead. With our customers and society always in mind, our aim is to contribute to the development of the driving experience worldwide.

2013

Signed MOU with the state of Tennessee for U.S. plant

Chosen as original equipment supplier for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Extended official DTM partnership ahead of schedule

Hankook Indonesia grand opening

Signed the MOU to build a new central research centre

2012

Became the official sponsor for the UEFA Europa League

Began supplying OE tyres for the new BMW 3 series

2011

Groundbreaking ceremony for plants in Chongqing, China, and in Indonesia

Celebrated our 70th anniversary

Signed DTM sponsorship in Germany

Hankook Raises Brand Value

New production facility in Hungary and global brand slogan ’Driving Emotion’ enhance corporate reputation.

In the first decade of the 21st century the popularity of automobiles grew rapidly in emerging markets, creating an immediate increase in tyre demand. In line with this global trend we expanded our global production and distribution networks and began to focus on building brand value. To firmly establish our position in Europe, we built a distribution centre there in 2001 and a new tyre production plant in Hungary in 2006, which was considered the most technologically advanced facility in the world at that time.

As part of our corporate branding strategy in 2004 Hankook created the brand slogan “Driving Emotion”. This shows our commitment and confidence in providing drivers around the world with the best “Driving Emotion” experience beyond simple mobility, one that is based on world-class technology and a global network.

As part of the process of creating a global brand Hankook has also participated in major global and overseas motorsports competitions to build a unified corporate image and establish a global brand system. We have also improved our brand status by strengthening our global marketing and sports sponsorship, and have formed automotive partnerships with top European car companies such as Audi.

2008

Signed OE supply partnership with Audi

2007

Ranked as the seventh-largest tyre corporation in the world by sales (Modern Tyre Dealer)

2006

Construction of Hungary plant begins

2001

European Distribution Centre (EDC) begins operation

Hankook Reinforces Global Capacity

Expanded partnerships with automobile brands aided by global production and R&D facilities.

In the 1990’s Hankook continued our strategy to invest in infrastructure and expand production capacity. By strengthening our technical skills and developing a competitive edge based on efficient production processes, we succeeded in entering the overseas original equipment (OE) tyre market where advanced tyre technology and excellent quality are mandatory. In 1991, we signed our first contract with Volkswagen to supply OE tyres.

We also established technology research centres in key overseas regions to increase technological capacity and supply products efficiently to each region. Centres were established in the United States in 1992, Germany in 1997 and China in 1998 to acquire a competitive edge in global markets.

To stay one step ahead of our competitors Hankook analysed growth potential and market size by region and focused our growth strategy on the Chinese market where we built tyre facilities in Jiaxing and Jiangsu to set up a strong production base.

1999

Built tyre production facilities in Jiaxing and Jiangsu, China

1998

Established China Technical Centre (CTC)

1997

Established Europe Technical Centre (ETC) in Germany

1992

Established Akron Technical Centre (ATC) in the United States

1991

Initiated supply of OE tyres to Volkswagen

Hankook Strengthens Growth Engine

World’s first large-scale tyre facility constructed in Daejeon, Korea, to maximise economies of scale and gain technology leadership.

Hankook has always been at the forefront in the history of tyre innovation. We predicted that radial tyres would become popular as the economy developed and sped up the research, development, and production of radial tyre one step ahead of the competition. The Daejeon facility, which specialises in the production of radial tyres, was built in 1979 as part of Hankook’s strategic investment in the future. Compared to bias tyres, radial tyres have a longer lifespan, are more efficient and have been widely used in Europe since the 1960’s.

In the 1980s, Hankook increased the supply of radial tyres through our Daejeon plant to expand exports to the United States and Europe. We promoted an economy of scale strategy and through increased efficiency the annual production capacity of the our Daejeon facility became one of the largest in the world. As globalisation became more consolidated, trade barriers were lowered and a distribution system was developed. This allowed our strategy to take room, leading to a significantly reduced transportation cost.

As a result, Hankook’s production capacity and sales grew, which achieved global status. After establishing our technological research centre in Daejeon in 1982, we built a system to strengthen our high-tech capability and the world-class quality of our tyres was recognised in advanced automotive markets such as the United States and Europe.

1985

Established Korea's first tyre proving ground

1983

Acquired Korean Industrial Standards (KS) Certification for all radial tyre sizes

1982

Acquired E-mark Certification from the Economic Commission for Europe

Established a technological research centre in Daejeon, Korea

1981

Established local branch office in the United States

1979

Completed construction of Daejeon plant

Hankook Grows

In line with Korean economic and infrastructure development, Korea’s automotive and tyre industries thrive.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Korean economy rapidly developed in paralll with the manufacturing industry as its growth engine. As Korea miraculously progressed so did Hankook through sound business principles and a thirst for technological skills which enabled us to gain a competitive edge in product quality.

With two of Korea’s major highway projects completed the era of the automobile began and Hankook was right there leading the advancement in transportation. Directly in line with Korean Government policy initiatives for development we placed a high priority on technological investment and quality management, and were the first to develop winter, tubeless, and radial tyres for passenger cars in Korea.

As the quality of Hankook grew on a global scale Hankook made significant strides in exporting tyres to neighboring countries throughout Asia.

1976

First Middle East branch office opened in Kuwait

1975

Received $13 million order from Iran Ministry of Roads and Transportation

1962

First exports to Pakistan

Hankook Launched

With a strong commitment for technology the foundation of the Korean tyre industry is established.

Founded in 1941 as the Chosun Tyre Company, the first automobile tyre company in Korea, Hankook forged a vision during an era when the seeds of early industrialisation were being sown in a country that lacked the wherewithal to grow successfully.

Even with facilities and supplies lacking until the end of the Korean War, it did not dampen our enthusiasm to produce quality tyres and technology. Taking pride in developing Korea’s tyre industry, the Hankook team recovered from the war by working hard across all facets of the business to lay the foundation for what the company is today.

With a mindset for industry and technological advancement, Hankook was able to establish itself as a cornerstone of Korea’s industrial progress.

1958

Renovated Yeongdeungpo Plant

1953

Changed name to Hankook Corporation

1941

Chosun Tyre Company Founded

Our History

2017~2016

Hankook Becomes a Leading Global Tyre Company

2017

2016

2015~2014

Hankook Becomes a Leading Global Tyre Company

2015

2014

2013~2011

Hankook Becomes a Leading Global Tyre Company

2013

2012

2011

2010~2001

Hankook Raises Brand Value

2008

2007

2006

2001

2000~1991

Hankook Reinforces Global Capacity

1999

1998

1997

1992

1991

1990~1979

Hankook Strengthens Growth Engine

1985

1983

1982

1981

1979

1978~1961

Hankook Grows

1976

1975

1962

1960~1941

Hankook Launched

1958

1953

1941