Hankook Tire leads premium market via 'innovative' R&D

HANKOOK TECHNODOME, Hankook Tire's core R&D facility in Daejeon. / Courtesy of Hankook Tire

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Hankook Tire is looking to lead in the premium original equipment (OE) tire business with its advanced research and development (R&D) amid a rapidly changing business environment.

The nation's leading tire manufacturer said it intends to expand investment and develop innovative technologies centered on its R&D facility, the HANKOOK TECHNODOME.

The facility, located in Daejeon, plays a key role in boosting mid- to long-term R&D for future tire technology. It currently manages Hankook Tire's four overseas research institutes in the U.S., Germany, China and Japan.

Founded in 2016, the facility possesses a Driving Simulation Center capable of carrying out virtual driving tests on major race tracks, including Formula 1.

The TECHNODOME is also equipped with the Suspension Parameter Measuring Machine, which records all digital values of a car's features when driving. This ensures accuracy of test results.

At the Tire Noise Measuring Room, researchers study noise, one of the significant standards that influence tire technology.

Hankook Tire's pursuit of innovation in R&D has led to strategic partnerships with global automakers. The company has proved its technological competence and brand value by supplying tires for 310 vehicles from 45 brands globally.

As a result, Hankook Tire's original equipment tires (OET) ― included with a newly manufactured vehicle ― are featured on cars from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Toyota and Honda among many others.

The company currently supplies OET for models such as BMW's flagship New BMW 7 Series, Audi RS5 Coupe and Mercedes-Benz New S Class.

The tire maker is also ramping up effort to lead the SUV OE market by supplying ultra-high performance tires. The company launched Ventus S1 evo2 tires for Mercedes Benz SUVs including the GLC and GLC Coupe, as well as BMW X5 and New X3 and Audi Q7 and SQ7.

The all-season ultra-high performance Kinergy GT tire is included on the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and will roll out on the 2019 Nissan Altima.

The company also unveiled its plan to create tailor-made OET optimized for each country's climate and road conditions to reinforce its R&D technology.