Trusted by the best: Why premium car makers choose Hankook tyres

There are no compromises at the top end of the automotive business. Premium car makers invest billions of dollars in developing, engineering and fine-tuning their vehicles.

Every nut and bolt is perfected with meticulous attention to detail to ensure each model meets the expectations of discerning consumers and justifies its premium price tag. Yet all that meticulous engineering can be undermined by something as simple as choosing the wrong tyre.

Tyres are one of the most critical elements of any car as they are the only point of contact between the machine and the road. They, therefore, dictate a lot of the dynamic characteristics, from overall handling, braking distance, comfort and fuel economy.

And because every car is unique in many ways, it is equally as important for car makers to choose the right tyre as original equipment as it does for any other component.

That is why the world’s leading premium brands from Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Kia, Hyundai, Tesla and many more work with Hankook to specifically develop a range of tyres to suit their vehicles.

Here’s an in-depth look at why Hankook has become a preferred partner for car brands worldwide, and why specific tyre ranges like the Ventus S1 evo series, Dynapro AT2 Xtreme, iON series and Ventus Prime series stand out in their respective categories.

Top automakers choose Hankook because of the Korean tyre manufacturer’s relentless focus on research and development, quality assurance, and performance.

Hankook invests significantly in developing tyres that excel in safety, handling, and durability, aligning with the premium standards of global car brands.

Their ability to tailor tyres for specific vehicle types from high-performance sports cars, electric vehicles and rugged 4WDs makes them a versatile partner.

The Hankook Ventus S1 evo series embodies high-performance driving. It is widely fitted as original equipment on sports sedans and luxury models, including the Porsche Panamera, Audi RS6 and A7, BMW 3- and 4-Series and Volkswagen Golf.

Hankook has also developed a unique version of the Ventus S1 evo series specifically for SUVs, capable of delivering the same performance attributes with higher loads. It is fitted to a wide range of vehicles, including the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7 and Q8, BMW X5 and X6, Volkswagen Tiguan and many more.

The Ventus S1 evo series offers a perfect balance of grip, steering precision, wet weather traction and overall durability thanks to its high silica content and innovative tread design. The advanced silica compound design improves heat dispersion and reduces rolling resistance, contributing to fuel efficiency.

Its asymmetrical tread pattern enhances cornering stability and road feedback. For OEMs, this translates into a tyre that boosts the vehicle’s overall performance envelope while maintaining comfort and safety standards.

As the electric vehicle market accelerates, tyre manufacturers face the challenge of developing tyres that meet unique EV demands. Lower noise, enhanced durability, and weight management.

Hankook’s response is the Ventus S1 evo3 EV, tailored specifically for electric vehicles like Porsche’s new fully electric Macan, Audi e-tron, Hyundai’s IONIQ 6, Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz and the Tesla Model Y. This tyre features a specialised compound and optimised tread pattern to reduce rolling resistance, extending battery range.

It also minimises road noise, ensuring a quieter ride, which is a key consideration for EV passengers. Additionally, the sidewall construction is reinforced to handle increased torque from electric motors, ensuring safety and durability under high-stress conditions.

Hankook also offers the iON EV tyre range, which can be found in vehicles such as the BYD Dolphin, Tesla Model 3, Kia EV3 and EV9.

The Hankook iON GT tyre delivers a transformative experience for EV drivers by enhancing range through ultra-low rolling resistance, improving comfort with advanced noise-reduction technologies like i Sound Absorber™ and Noise Guard. It also has technology to extend tyre life with Round Even Technology that ensures uniform wear while also embracing sustainability with up to 77% eco-friendly materials.

For drivers who demand versatility, especially those tackling off-road adventures or work-site terrain, the Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme is unbeatable.

Designed with a reinforced tread block structure and aggressive shoulder lugs, the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme provides exceptional traction on loose surfaces such as dirt, mud, and gravel, while maintaining stability on asphalt. Its rim protector and reinforced sidewalls defend against cuts and abrasions, increasing longevity in tough conditions.

Seen as an OEM fitment on rugged dual-cab utes like the groundbreaking new Kia Tasman, this tyre excels in both on and off-road conditions. For Kia’s Tasman dual-cab ute, the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme promises durability, confidence, and continuous performance whether you're hauling gear or venturing off the beaten path.

Mid-sized SUVs like Volkswagen’s T-Cross and T-Roc require tyres that complement their versatility, efficiency, and urban-tough nature. Hankook’s Ventus Prime series offers precisely that with reliable performance and a focus on comfort and economy. The Ventus Prime boasts an optimised tread pattern for smoothness and reduced noise, making city driving a pleasure.

Its low rolling resistance contributes to improved fuel efficiency, aligning with the eco-conscious trends of modern SUV buyers. The tyre also offers excellent wet and dry handling, ensuring safety in various weather conditions. Resilient and crafted with eco-friendly materials, the Ventus Prime is an ideal OEM choice for compact SUVs, enhancing the overall driving experience while maintaining the brand’s premium appeal.

The partnership between leading automakers and Hankook is built on shared values of safety, innovation, and performance. Hankook’s commitment is to develop tyres perfectly suited for different driving needs, whether it's high-performance sports cars, electric vehicles, rugged utes, SUVs or sedans. If they are the first choice for premium car makers, then Hankook should be your first choice when replacing them.

Visit the official Hankook Tyre Australia website today to learn more about their OE partners.