Hankook Boosted Tire Sales in First Quarter
Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd. achieved $3.5 billion in total sales and and a 9.3% year-over-year tire revenue increase during the first quarter of 2026.
During the quarter, Hankook "sustained strong cash generation" in its tire business, according to company officials.
North America results
Hankook's tire sales in North America totaled slightly less than $380 million during the quarter, down from around $400 million recorded during the same period in 2025.
Commenting on the market environment in North America, Hankook officials remarked that "consumer demand weakened due to geopolitical uncertainties and inflation" in the replacement channel.
"Although sales volume declined year-over-year, mix improvement driven by a higher share of strategic products and high-inch tires" was achieved.
In the North American original equipment (OE) channel, "demand softened amid concerns over prolonged Middle East conflict, rising oil prices and tariff impacts," according to Hankook officials.
However, sales increases were "supported by expanded supply to major OE customers."
In its first quarter investors presentation, Hankook highlighted several key OE fitments, including "expanded OE tire supply to major automakers, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV2," plus the company's "continued validation of top-tier global technological capabilities through a portfolio spanning both internal combustion engine and electrified vehicles (EVs)."
During the first quarter, Hankook launched the Laufenn X FIT AT2, a new all-terrain tire for light truck and SUV fitments.
"With a premium tread wear warranty and coverage for 15-inch to 22-inch wheel sizes across a wide range of popular light truck and SUV fitments, the X FIT AT2 delivers dependable performance, durability and comfort for drivers who split their time between on-road and off-road environments," said Hankook officials when the tire was unveiled.
On the TBR tire side, Hankook spotlighted its Smart Brand, exclusively for trucks and buses, during the 2026 TMC Show. Smart Brand products are designed with Hankook’s Smartec Technology "to ensure longer mileage safely."
2026 outlook
During the rest of the year, Hankook says it will continue to focus on sustained cash generation "by ensuring the timely completion of expansion projects" at the company's Clarksville, Tenn., and Hungary plants.
Construction at the Tennessee plant remains on schedule. A multi-phase, $1.6 billion investment in the factory announced several years ago is expected to double the facility's consumer tire production. It also gives Hankook the ability to produce medium truck tires in the U.S., a first for the company.
"In 2026, the tire segment aims to move beyond volume growth and continue qualitative growth focused on profitability," say Hankook officials.
Achieving profitability via the sales of "strategic products" also will be a priority in 2026. Hankook expects 51% or more of its PLT tires to be 18 inches or above in diameter, up from 47.8% last year.
The company also intends for its iON EV tire line to comprise an increasing share of its sales.