Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd. recorded $4 billion in sales and $444.8 million in operating profit during the third quarter of 2026.

Both are increases from the same period in 2025.

Hankook's tire business posted around $2 billion in revenue and $376.6 million in operating profit during the same period, significant increases over totals recorded in the first quarter of 2025.

The Pangyo, South Korea-based company says it "maintained a solid financial position, supported by the tire (divison's) robust cash generation" and cited winter and electric vehicle (EV) tire sales as having "strong sales."

During the third quarter of 2026, Hankook reports that it expanded its original equipment tire sales "by strategically concentrating on eco-friendly vehicle segment, where demand remains strong, and increasing supply of high-value EV tires, despite the overall global OE market downturn."

Hankook also increased its revenue in the replacement channel despite "slowing demand from inflation and geopolitical risks" by focusing on strategic sales initiatives ahead of winter tire season and price hikes.

Regional results

In the replacement channel, "demand is recovering" in the North American market, according to Hankook officials, "driven by local U.S. production following a decrease in import volumes. Demand for EV and premium products remains strong."

Hankook's overall North American replacement tire growth "was led by high-inch and winter tires. Both PC/LT and TBVR (tires) recorded robust growth."

The company's OE sales volume increased "despite a market slowdown, driven by an expansion of vehicle brands supplied with our product," say Hankook officials.

Hankook recorded year-over-year revenue gains in its Europe, Korea and China regions during the third quarter of 2026.

Outlook

During the rest of the year, Hankook aims to sustain "both volume growth and profitability-driven quantitative growth" in its tire division, while achieving tarfets through "timely completion" of plant investments in Clarksville, Tenn., and Hungary.

Hankook's multi-year, $1.6 billion investment in its Clarksville plant will double the factory's PLT tire production and boost domestic TBR tire production.

Enhancing profitability through increased sales of strategic products, including high-diameter, EV and SUV tires will be another ongoing initiative for the company.