"We're going to expand our original equipment fitments," Hankook Tire America Corp. officials told dealers at a meeting in Akron, Ohio, yesterday.
"While OE is a small part of our business, it's extremely important," said Brian Sheehey, Hankook TBR specialist. "We know that in this business, perception means a lot."
Hankook officials told dealers to expect new OE consumer tire fitments with Ford Motor Co., General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen in 2007.
"Right now we are supplying just a spare tire on the (Dodge) Stratus," said a representative from Hankook's OE office.
Hankook currently enjoys 11% OE share with Ford light vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, and 1% OE share with GM light vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, according to Modern Tire Dealer's 2006 Facts Issue.
Hankook tires also are OE on four Hyundai vehicles that are imported into the U.S., plus several Kia vehicles.
On the commercial side, a representative from Navistar International told dealers that the truck and bus manufacturer will make Hankook tires standard product on buses and some medium trucks in 2006.
"We believe Hankook is an integral part of our long-term strategy," said Mike Elwell, director of marketing, medium vehicles, for Navistar International.
Hankook's truck tire dealer meeting in Akron ends today.
