This photo, provided by Hankook Tire and Technology Co., shows the world’s sixth-largest tiremaker’s new electric-vehicle-only tire, iON.
SEOUL, Aug. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — As electric vehicles (EVs) rise as the ‘new standard’ in the automobile industry, tire producers are responding with EV-exclusive tires.
Industry sources said almost half of all tire orders placed with Hankook Tire and Technology Co. for new cars were EV-exclusive tires.
Hankook Tire has concluded contracts with 22 car makers for some 60 car models with the tires currently being developed. Among them, some 30 cars from 12 brands were electric vehicles.
The tiremaker launched the EV-exclusive tire brand iON in May. The brand has been unveiled in the European market, and with plans for an imminent launch in South Korea and the rest of the global market.
Meanwhile, Kumho Tire Co. has been supplying Cruzen HP71 and Ecsta PS71 tires with both featuring K-Silent noise-canceling technology, for Kia Corp.’s all-electric EV6 sedan.
“The tire’s low rolling resistance, noise-less features, and strong grip will enhance the EV’s performance,” an industry official said.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
