Hankook reached $1 billion in annual
American tire sales as of Dec. 13, marking the
first time that the company netted that amount
since it began selling tires in the U.S. 30
years ago.
“To reach the $1 billion sales mark for the
first time in our history is a testament to our
collective efforts in all facets of our
business, from product development to sales and
marketing,” says Soo Il Lee, president of
Hankook Tire America Corp.
“Our continued strong growth in the U.S. market
is driven by our investment in R&D, industry-
leading product lines and technology, and the
support of our dedicated customers,” Lee
says.
“What makes this achievement still more special
is that 2011 marks Hankook Tire’s 30th
anniversary in the United States,” he adds. “We
continue to see many opportunities to build on
this success and look forward to achieving even
greater results in 2012.”
Lee says the company has applied advanced
technology, product development initiatives and
an aggressive brand building strategy.
Throughout 2011 it released a number of new
tires, including the enfren eco (Eco-Friendly
All-Season Performance) low rolling resistance
tire, the Optimo H426 (Luxury Performance
Touring All-Season) tire and the Dynapro HT
(Premium Highway All-Season) tire for light
trucks and SUVs.
This year also the AH24 (Premium Regional
Steer/All Position) commercial tire verified by
the U.S. Environmental Agency’s SmartWay
Technology Program, bringing Hankook’s number of
SmartWay tires to six.
To further its awareness in the U.S., the tire
maker expanded its behind home plate advertising
activities with professional baseball to 22
Major League ballparks, become an official
sponsor of the Formula Drift motorsports series,
established a billboard in New York City’s Times
Square, launched its new “Be One with It”
television and print advertising campaign and
recently signed an agreement to advertise with
men’s college basketball as part of nine pre-
season tournaments.
It also recently entered into several new
original equipment supply agreements with car
manufacturers such as BMW and Toyota. Other
factory fitments include the Lincoln MKT, Ford
F-150 and Explorer, the Chevrolet Equinox, the
GMC Terrain, the Volkswagen Passat, the Hyundai
Sonata and the Kia Opitma.
For more information, visit www.hankooktireusa.com.
