Hankook Tire’s Ventus S1 evo2 Achieves Further Original Equipment Approval

Hankook Tire has been selected as Original Equipment supplier for the new BMW 4-Series. The new  stylish and sporty Coupé by the Munich-based premium car manufacturer will be factory equipped with Hankook Tire’s high-end Ventus S1 evo² flagship tires in size 225/50 R 17 W.

The recently launched 4-Series Coupé is the sixth model by the BMW Group to be fitted with Hankook tires, following on from the MINI, the BMW 1, 3, and 5-Series as well as the X5. This marks another important milestone in Hankook Tire’s global expansion in the premium segment. “We are pleased to continuously intensify our cooperation with the BMW Group,” said Mr. Seung Hwa Suh, vice-chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire. He also added, “Supplying tires to the new 4-Series Coupé marks yet another, important milestone for us as it is the first time we are supplying tires to the BMW Group which are not only developed in Europe but, also are supplied directly from our European plant.”

As Original Equipment tire for the recent BMW 3 and 5-Series, Hankook Tire’s high-end flagship Ventus S1 evo² is no stranger to BMW engineers. . Even under demanding conditions, the tire stands out for its successful combination of driving dynamics and comfort features as well as wet grip and rolling resistance performance. “During the intensive trial phase, our Ventus S1 evo² has once more given impressive proof of its high level of driving comfort and distinctively dynamic driving characteristics,” said Mr. Klaus Krause, head of the European Technology Center (ETC) at Hankook Tire, where the tire development of the BMW Group in Europe takes place. “With the new Ventus S1 evo², we have consistently applied our development philosophy Kontrol Technology* and developed a modern high-performance tire that optimally meets our customers’ requirements in terms of driving dynamics, safety and environmental friendliness.”

At present, about 50 engineers and technicians are developing bespoke tire solutions for European car manufacturers at Hankook Tire’s ETC in Hanover, Germany. Also, tires supplied to the BMW Group are developed and tested there. Production takes place at Hankook Tire’s European plant in Rácalmás, Hungary. The company’s state-of-the-art plant specializes in the production of passenger car tires for the European market and ranks among the most modern production facilities in the world.