SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (14th December, 2006) – Hankook Tire (www.hankooktire.com, CEO Choong Hwan Cho) will supply its tires to Audi AG beginning next year.
Hankook Tire, Global leading tire manufacturer said that it signed an agreement with the German auto manufacturer to supply tires for their Audi A6L, the long wheel base A6 luxury sedan, and A4 models starting next June.
The Ultra High Performance VENTUS S1 Evo, which comes in a 16-inch 225/55R16Y and 17-inch 225/50R17Y variety, will be supplied to the Audi automobiles.
The Agreement was made between Hankook Tire and Audi and the supplying of tires will commence in June 2007. Hankook Tire is slated to supply Audi China plant with approximately 90,000 units next year
Jin Wook Choi, Executive Vice President/Head of Hankook Tire China, “This is a significant turning point for us since it marks the beginning of Hankook Tire’s foray into the high-end automobile market. Within a mere five years of supplying OE tires to the world, Hankook Tire has accomplished much success illustrated by the Audi deal.” He also said, “This achievement is yet another step in our technology being acknowledged by world-class automakers, including GM, Ford, and Volkswagen whom we have supplied to in the past.”
With the supply to Audi, Hankook Tire said it will plan to focus further on premium cars.
Hankook Tire has supplied its tires to household names such as Volkswagen, Daihatsu, Mitsubishi and ITEC. And also for GM’s new flagship automobile, the Saturn Aura XE. The Chevrolet Malibu, Cobalt, Pontiac G6 and G5, and other 2007 GM passenger cars will also be supplied tires by Hankook Tire.
About Hankook Tire Co., Ltd.
Hankook Tire(CEO: Cho Choong Hwan) ) is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing tire manufacturer for radial tires for passenger cars, light trucks (SUVs, RVs, and etc.), trucks, and buses. Hankook Tire also develops cutting-edge technologies to upgrade customer satisfaction through high-quality products. Through sales in 170 countries around the world, Hankook Tire is ranked at 8th in global sales revenue in 2005. The company has more than 12,000 employees in 5 Regional HQ, 9 Sales Offices, 11 subsidiaries and 5 R&D Centers around the world and makes 70% of revenue through overseas market.
For more information, please visit Hankook Tire’s web site at www.hankooktire.com.