Domestic subsidiary releases more details on the Ford-Hankook OE deal

June 11, 2003

Following yesterday's announcement that parent company Hankook Tire Manufacturing Co. had signed a new domestic original equipment contract with Ford Motor Co., Hankook Tire America Corp. President J.W. Choi spoke out about the deal.

"I am pleased to officially announce that Hankook Tire has been selected as original equipment for the Ford F-150 pickup for the 2004 model year," he said. "Hankook Tire has enjoyed prestige as an OE supplier around the globe -- and now, right around the corner.

"This is a significant development in our overall sales strategy and we are very happy to be the first Korean tire manufacturer to win the confidence of Ford in securing this fitment on North America’s best-selling vehicle."

In 2002, Ford used Goodyear, General, Michelin, Continental, BFGoodrich and Uniroyal brands on models for domestic use. Some new models also came with Firestone tires under existing or revised contracts; however, Bridgestone/Firestone no longer supplies the Firestone brand to Ford.

In 2003, Pirelli Tire North America also will join the list of tire suppliers to Ford.

Hankook will supply Ford with the new DynaPro RF08 and RH03 tires. Both tires were designed at Hankook’s Akron (Ohio) Technical Center exclusively for the 2004 Ford F-150 Pickup.

The DynaPro RF08 and RH03 tires are all-season, all-terrain hybrid tires. They feature a 50,000-mile limited tread wear warranty.