Hankook, the South Korean tire maker, kicked off 2025 with standout results, reporting a consolidated revenue surpassing 3.2 billion euros in the first quarter. The growth underscores a well-calibrated strategy that leverages both high-value tires and a rapidly expanding EV product lineup. In a macroeconomic environment marked by volatile energy costs, inflation pressures, and supply chain uncertainties, the company demonstrated resilient operating performance, delivering an operating profit of over 230 million euros.
A pivotal factor behind the double-digit sales growth is Hankook’s unwavering focus on its core tire business while expanding into adjacent technologies. The inclusion of Hanon Systems in the consolidated figures, completed in early 2025, broadened Hankook’s industrial footprint into thermal management solutions for vehicles. With over 1.7 billion euros in revenue and a positive contribution to operating income from Hanon, the group strengthened its revenue diversification and laid a robust foundation for synergies between tire technology and advanced climate-control systems.
Hankook’s positive trajectory in 2025 is buoyed by the rising share of high-value tires, a segment that continues to anchor the group’s profitability. The 18-inch-plus tire range now accounts for nearly half of global sales for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, signaling persistent demand for premium performance, durability, and safety. At the same time, the company’s iON line, designed specifically for electric vehicles, remains a strategic pillar. The iON catalog covers more than 300 wheel-size specifications, enabling Hankook to meet an expanding roster of OEMs and end customers. The share of EV tires in the OE segment has climbed to 23%, marking a notable year-over-year increase.
Hankook’s ability to supply first equipment to prestigious brands such as Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Tesla reinforces its reputation as a technologically advanced and reliable partner. These collaborations not only boost brand visibility but also provide a privileged channel to test and validate new solutions for mass production. A recent example is the agreement with Volkswagen to supply Ventus evo SUV tires for the all-new Tiguan, a strategic model for the European market.
R&D remains central to Hankook’s strategy, with dedicated centers in Hannover (Germany) and Rácalmás (Hungary) shaping next-generation technologies, particularly around sustainability and energy efficiency. Motorsport serves as a rigorous testing ground and data source for tire performance under extreme conditions. Hankook’s exclusive supply to Formula E and participation in championships such as the WRC and Lamborghini Super Trofeo provide real-world validation and accelerate the transfer of insights into consumer and commercial products.
