iFANN
    Last updated
    Hankook Tire & Technology
    Tire Manufacturing

    Hankook Tire & Technology

    South Korea flagSouth Korea

    "Technology for Innovation"

    Founded 1941 Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
    Community

    About

    Lee Hong-ik established Hankook Tire & Technology in Seoul during 1941, starting with bicycle tires before shifting focus to automotive rubber by 1960. The company now operates as the seventh-largest tire manufacturer globally, producing roughly 100 million units annually for customers across more than 160 countries. Its manufacturing footprint spans six nations including South Korea, China, Vietnam, Slovakia, Hungary, and the United States.

    In August 2026, the brand reported record revenue fueled by surging demand for its electric vehicle-specific iON series. This success marked a significant milestone as the company showcased exclusive EV technology at Demo Days in the Bay Area while ramping up truck tire production at its Tennessee facility to capture North American market share. The firm continues to challenge industry leaders like Michelin and Bridgestone through competitive pricing and high-performance engineering.

    Products & Sub-brands

    iON SeriesVentus PrimeKinergy GTDynapro ATXRA18 Racing Tires

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns Hankook Tire?
    Hankook Tire & Technology is an independent South Korean company founded in 1941 by Lee Hong-ik and is not owned by Bridgestone or any other foreign parent corporation.
    Is Hankook Tire still in business and growing?
    Yes, the company remains the seventh-largest tire manufacturer globally and recently announced record revenue in 2026 driven by strong sales of electric vehicle tires.
    What is the difference between Hankook and competitors like Michelin?
    While Michelin often commands premium pricing, Hankook positions itself as a high-performance alternative that offers comparable durability and advanced technology at a more competitive price point.
    Does Hankook make tires for electric vehicles?
    Yes, the brand produces the specialized iON series designed specifically for electric vehicles to handle heavy battery loads and maximize driving range.
    Where are Hankook tires manufactured?
    Hankook operates manufacturing plants in South Korea, China, Vietnam, Europe (Slovakia and Hungary), and the United States (Tennessee) to serve its global customer base.

    Keywords

    Hankook TireSouth Korean tiresEV tiresiON seriesFormula Eautomotive partsracing tires

    Sources

    WikipediaCompany OverviewModern Tire DealerAutospherePR Newswire

    Company Info

    Founded
    1941
    Founder
    Lee Hong-ik
    Headquarters
    Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
    Industry
    Tire Manufacturing
    Employees
    10001
    Global Ranking
    7th Largest
    Key Innovation
    iON Electric Vehicle Technology

    Official Website

    www.hankooktire.com

    Links

    Join the community

    fans discussing