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Hankook launches CMF LAB design database
Hankook Tire will support its product development with a new in-house creative database that offers “unique industry insights and new concepts.” The tyre maker has set up this ‘CMF LAB’ database together with Model Solution, its prototype and manufacturing solutions company. Model Solution will use the CMF LAB as a strategic springboard for new business expansion.
Hankook Tire examining distribution structures, looking at M&A growth
Hankook Tire concedes that its response to last year’s “extremely challenging” business environment and the rapidly-changing trends influencing the tyre industry was “not fully sufficient” to combat downward pressure upon its business. Hyun Shick Cho, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Hankook Technology Group, has addressed this issue in a letter to shareholders, discussing means of responding preemptively to these changing trends.
Hankook Tire announces share buyback & increased dividend
In measures aimed at enhancing “shareholder-friendly management”, Hankook Tire intends to buy back around KRW 50 billion (£34 million) of its shares over the coming six months and will also “sharply expand” the size of its dividends. In addition, the tyre maker will form a support group for external directors and implement an electronic voting system.
Hankook partners with ‘world’s largest’ motorsport championship
Hankook Tire has become a sponsor of the Nürburgring Endurance Series, the race event at the renown German circuit that previously went by the name VLN Endurance Championship and billed as the largest motorsport championship in the world. The tyre maker hopes this new tie-up will be the start of a “long term partnership” with the retitled, open tyre supply motorsport series.
Auto Zeitung tyre test: Win for Continental, price-performance recommendation for Maxxis
Auto Zeitung’s 2020 summer tyre test is one of the largest it has ever published. The German motoring magazine has looked at 20 brands of size 225/50 R17 94/98 W/Y tyres in an evaluation that covers premium to budget. The cheapest of the tyres on test can be had for around 230 euros (£200) a set; the most expensive cost more than twice as much. As you’d expect, the winners’ podium was dominated by premium products priced well above the average. The fourth-placed tyre is a different story.
CV Show launch for Laufenn truck tyre range
Truck tyres are joining the ranks of Hankook Tire’s second brand, Laufenn. Hankook Tyre UK will preside over the global launch of these products at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, presenting the Laufenn tyres alongside its expanding Hankook commercial vehicle line-up.
Hankook extends rugby league sponsorship in Australia
Thanks to an extension of the current partnership, Hankook will return in 2020 as official tyre of Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL). As part of the newly-extended contract, the tyre maker will launch what it says will be “one of the biggest consumer promotions ever seen” in the country’s tyre industry; this will run from April to August 2020.
Hankook using Amazon Web Services for tyre development work
Hankook Tire says it is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to further its virtual tyre development work. This involves the tyre maker using the AWS cloud platform to store, process, and analyse huge amounts of data such as that gathered from its recently-introduced Virtual Compound Design (VCD) system, which predicts the characteristics of tyre compounds and finds an optimal combination through artificial intelligence analysis.
New Laufenn performance, touring ranges
For the past four years, Hankook Tire has offered customers in European markets a choice of two tyre brands – its flagship Hankook brand and Laufenn, a range “tailored to different lifestyles and above all meet the needs of price-conscious drivers.” The Laufenn line-up has now been further extended with two new models, the Laufenn S FIT EQ+ for the performance segment, and Laufenn G FIT EQ+ for the touring segment. Both arrive in spring 2020 and replace existing, similarly-named products.
Goodyear the top-selling premium tyre on Delticom’s sites
Delticom has named the top-selling tyres sold on its sites, according to a number of different criteria. The rankings are based on Europe-wide sales from Delticom’s online B2B shops, such as Yourtyres.co.uk in the UK – across all brands and categories.
Schmitz Cargobull renews OE agreement with Hankook Tire
Hankook tyres have been fitted as original equipment on Schmitz Cargobull trailers over the past decade under a growing partnership. The two companies have now extended this partnership for an additional three years. The cooperation, which began in 2013, will thus continue until the end of 2022.
Hankook appoints Paul Emery as sales director
Hankook Tyre UK has appointed Paul Emery as sales director effective 1 February 2020. He joined the company as UK sales manager of the truck and bus tyre segment. Emery brings over 30 years in the tyre industry in various managerial roles to the position.
Hankook Tire extending Real Madrid sponsorship to 2022/23
The sponsorship agreement between Hankook Tire and Real Madrid has been extended until the end of the 2022/23 season. This continued collaboration between tyre maker and Spanish La Liga football club was sealed at a ceremony recently held at Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid, and Sang Hoon Lee, Hankook Tire’s president in Europe, oversaw proceedings.
