Hankook Tyres:

Hankook was founded as a tyre manufacturer in 1941 in Korea. It grew rapidly and in 1979 it built the world's largest single tyre production facility in the world. It established a subsidiary in America in 1981 - the Hankook Tire America Corporation. By 1982 Hankook built its first research and development centre in Daejon and the same year another was constructed in Ohio, USA.

1994 was a landmark year with the establishment of branches in Beijing and Hanover in Germany, the latter being a highly advanced and automated tyre manufacturing facility. Four years later a new technical centre and plant were constructed in Jiaxing, China. 1998 was significant for another reason - Hankook received the Ford Motor Company's Q1 Award.

Further expansion took place and a European distribution centre in Rotterdam was built. In 2003 Hankook formed a strategic alliance with Michelin manufacturing a range of tyres on their behalf. The following year a new corporate identity was launched, introducing the 'Driving Emotion' concept.

The company has since gone from strength to strength and is now the world's 7th largest tyre manufacturer. It now has production capabilities around the world including Hungary and increased output at the Keusam plant in Korea. It employs 14,000 people who are based in 4 regional headquarters, over 20 overseas subsidiaries and 5 research and development centres around the world.

Last year (2009) Hankook launched its philosophy behind advanced technology under the heading 'Kontrol Technology' and its H-LOHAS campaign which underlines its commitment to a happier, healthier society. All in all, Hankook is an extremely forward looking company which is reflected in the advanced and superior quality of its products. Its range consists of radial tyres for passenger cars, light trucks (SUVs, RVs) trucks and buses. Hankook's reputation precedes it and its quality tyres represent extremely good value for money.