Hankook Tire America Corp. already has reached $1 billion in U.S. sales in 2011, 18 days before the end of the year. That is a record for the 30-year-old company.
Last year, the company reached $1 billion in sales in the U.S. and Canada combined.
“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 President Soo Il Lee. "We continue to see many opportunities to build on this success and look forward to achieving even greater results in 2012."
Here are some of the company's tire launches in 2011, all of which were previewed at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show.
* enfren eco: an eco-friendly all-season performance tire featuring low rolling resistance characteristics;
* Optimo H426: a luxury performance touring all-season tire;
* Dynapro HT: a premium highway all-season tire for light trucks and SUVs.
Also in 2011, Hankook's AH24 premium regional steer/all-position truck tire was verified by the United States Environmental Agency’s SmartWay Technology Program, bringing Hankook’s number of SmartWay verified tires to six.
To further brand awareness, Hankook expanded its sports marketing initiatives. Its "behind home plate" advertising activities with professional baseball increased to 22 Major League Baseball ballparks. It also became an official sponsor of the Formula Drift motorsports series, and signed an agreement to advertise with men’s college basketball as part of nine pre-season tournaments during 2011.
Hankook Tire America's parent company, Hankook Tire Co. Ltd., recently entered into several new original equipment fitment agreements with leading car manufacturers including BMW AG and Toyota Motor Corp.
