The name Hankook is certainly not unknown to those interested in automobiles. However, do you know who created this well-known brand? Where are Hankook tires made? Being a South Korean brand, what is their global presence like? We are set to tread this path with Hankook tires.
Who makes Hankook Tires?
Hankook Tire & Technology, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is behind this brand. The company focuses on tire production but also has a long list of research, development, and testing centers worldwide. For instance, Hankook operates in South Korea, the United States, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Slovakia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico, Romania, Thailand, and Turkey.
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A Brief History
The Japanese tiremaker Bridgestone established it against the backdrop of World War II in 1941 and named it Chosun Tire Co. However, due to the war, the company went to ruins. Consequently, Kang Kyung-ok leased it and renamed Hankook Tire Manufacturing Ltd.
Furthermore, the company was sold to Samsung Trading Co and was acquired by Cho Hong-Jae, the founder of the Hyosung Group, in 1962. Ranked the sixth largest in the world in 2020, the brand is known for their affordability. They are used as Original Equipment on new vehicles similar to premium brands like Michelin and Continental.
Where are Hankook Tires made?
The United States of America, South Korea, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, and China are among the countries where these tires are manufactured. Hankook owns and runs 11 separate factories across several countries as of 2022, with a combined workforce of over 20,000 people.
What are the different types of Hankook Tires?
They manufactures automobiles, SUVs, trucks, buses, and race car tires. In addition, it also produces tires for golf carts and all-terrain vehicles. Hankook also manufactures replacement tires for most makes and models. However, some automakers use Hankook tires as a part of their vehicles’ OEM package.
Types of Hankook Tires
The main types of tires from this brand include Hankook Ventus, Hankook iON, Hankook Dynapro, Hankook Kinergy, and Hankook Winter i*CEPT and Winter i*PIKE, each with their unique features.
Ventus
- For high performance and smooth driving.
- Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and AUDI use this tire line.
- 45,000 – 65,000 miles warranty.
iON
- Exclusively used for electric vehicles.
- It makes less noise.
- 50,000 miles warranty.
Dynapro
- Suitable for SUVs and light trucks.
- For all weather conditions and off-road driving.
- Lincoln Navigator, Ford Ranger, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Sierra, and Nissan Frontier use Dynapro as their standard factory equipment.
- 40,000 – 70,000 miles warranty.
Kinergy
- All-season tires.
- Weather Control Compound allows traction in dry, wet, or snowy road conditions.
- 60,000 – 90,000 miles warranty.
Winter i*CEPT and Winter i*PIKE
- Developed for harsh weather conditions.
- Good traction and braking on cold or icy roads.
- BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz use their winter tires.
- It lasts for 30,000 – 40,000 miles.
Tires from Hankook for Different Vehicle Types
- Passenger Cars: Optimo ME02 (K424), Ventus ME01 (K114), Ventus V12 evo2 (K120)
- Buses or Trucks: DM06, e-cube DL10, and Smart Work DM09.
- SUVs: Dynapro AT2 (RF11), Dynapro HP2 (RA33), Dynapro ATM
- VAN or Transporter: Dynapro HT (RH12), Vantra LT (RA18)
Which automobile companies use Hankook Tires?
Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, Freightliner, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Perodua, Porsche, Ram, Renault, Rivian, Seat, Skoda, SsangYong, and Toyota use Hankook Tires for their cars.
Bottom Line
Hankook Tires are known for their affordability. Therefore, it is common to place them in the mid-range tire category. However, despite the affordability, it meets the quality and has put forth its share in the premium tire segment. In addition, it has tires that suit most types of cars. Similarly, it has tires for all weather conditions and EVs. Therefore, they are worth buying as they have kept their standards high and consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hankook a good brand of tire?
Yes. It is a good brand if you are considering changing your car tires. They are durable, affordable, and used in different brands of cars like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and AUDI.
Are Hankook Tires made in the USA?
Yes, there is a manufacturing site in Tennessee, located in the United States. However, they are also manufactured on several other sites.
Does Michelin make Hankook?
No, Michelin does not own Hankook. However, Michelin and Hankook partnered from 2003 until 2008. Michelin bought 6,29% of Hankook in 2006 and increased their stake to 9,98%. However, they sold their stake in Hankook for $556 million in 2011.
Which country makes Hankook Tires?
They are manufactured in the United States of America, South Korea, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, and China. Hankook Tires, headquartered in South Korea, owns and runs 11 separate factories across several countries.
Is Hankook a premium brand?
It is both a premium tire brand and a mid-level budget tire manufacturer specializing in both segments.
Does Toyota use Hankook Tires?
Since June of last year, it has equipped Toyota’s first all-electric vehicle, the Toyota bZ4X, for the Chinese market. The Ventus S1 evo, 3 ev from Hankook Tire, will be available in sizes 235/60R18 and 235/50R20.
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