Has the winter tire market been hurt by the growing all-weather segment and four-wheel-drive capabilities of crossover and sport utility vehicles? Not at all, say tire manufacturers, marketers and distributors.

In European countries, Hankook is positioned as a first tier brand, and my vision in the U.S. is to achieve that goal.” This one short sentence by Hankook Tire America Corp. President Hee-Se Ahn set the tone for the company’s Partner’s Day meeting held last month in Liberia, Costa Rica.