South Korean tyre manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology reported first-quarter consolidated sales of USD 3.42 billion, marking significant growth following the integration of Hanon Systems as a subsidiary.

The financial results show the combined performance of Hankook’s core tyre business and its newly acquired thermal management segment. For the quarter ending March, the company posted an operating profit of USD 244.1 million.

Hankook’s tyre business alone generated sales of USD 1.62 billion, representing a 10.3 percent year-over-year increase, while operating profit in this segment fell 16.3 percent to USD 229.7 million. The company attributed the profit decline to “rising costs—particularly the rise in raw material costs and ocean freight rates”.

The company’s pivot towards premium and speciality segments continues to gain momentum. 18-inch and larger tyres now comprise 47.1 percent of total passenger car and light truck tyre sales. This premium segment performed particularly well in China, accounting for 64.7 percent of sales.

Electric vehicle tyres have become an increasingly important growth driver for the manufacturer. EV-dedicated products represented 23 percent of original equipment sales for passenger cars and light trucks; a substantial six percentage point increase compared to the same period last year.

The company has expanded its portfolio of OE partnerships, recently beginning to supply its Ventus evo SUV tyres for the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan. Hankook now supplies approximately 50 global premium automotive brands across more than 280 models.

Hanon Systems, the thermal management solutions provider acquired by Hankook in January, contributed USD 1.80 billion in sales but only USD 14.3 million in operating profit for the quarter.

The results come as tyre manufacturers globally face pressure from rising raw material costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions affecting logistics expenses.

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Bridgestone India has presented the European Alignment Certificate to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), recognising the successful completion of their Rolling Resistance (RR) Lab Alignment. The certificate was presented to Dr Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, by Rajarshi Moitra, Deputy Managing Director of Bridgestone India, during a ceremony attended by senior leaders from both organisations.

This milestone strengthens the partnership between Bridgestone and ARAI, India’s leading automotive R&D institution for testing and standardisation. Rolling resistance plays a crucial role in enhancing fuel efficiency, aligning with both organisations’ commitment to advancing tyre technology. The certification underscores their shared dedication to fostering innovation, improving testing capabilities and promoting sustainable mobility solutions in India.

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Yokohama Rubber has been recognised for its sustainability leadership with continued inclusion in three prestigious FTSE Russell ESG indexes. The company marks its 21st consecutive year on the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global benchmark for responsible investing. Additionally, it maintains its ninth straight year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Index and fourth year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index – both key indicators of Japanese ESG excellence endorsed by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).

These indexes, developed by London Stock Exchange Group's FTSE Russell, help investors identify companies with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Yokohama Rubber's sustained inclusion reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable business practices.

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The fourth round of the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series, a racing competition hosted by Italian supercar brand Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A and powered by Hankook Tire, will take place from 18 to 20 July at INJE SPEEDIUM in Gangwon Province. As the exclusive tyre supplier, Hankook Tire continues to elevate Korean motorsports through its partnership with Lamborghini, showcasing its high-performance Ventus racing tyres on the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2.

The 3.91-km INJE SPEEDIUM circuit, featuring 19 corners and a 40-metre elevation change, demands exceptional tyre performance under extreme conditions, including high-speed straights and scorching summer temperatures. Hankook’s Ventus tyres are engineered to deliver superior grip, durability and heat resistance, ensuring peak performance in challenging racing environments.

Beyond the races, Hankook will host the ‘Ventus Experience’, inviting European automotive influencers to test the Ventus Super Sports line and explore its advanced R&D facilities.

The 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo spans Asia, Europe and North America, with six rounds per series. Top contenders will advance to the Grand Final in Misano, Italy, this November, competing for the season championship.

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Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent tyre retreader, has reached out to the Net Zero All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to offer its expertise in supporting the UK’s transition to net zero. In a formal letter, the company expressed its commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions through its circular economy approach to tyre retreading.

As a leader in emission reduction, Vaculug highlighted how its retreading process significantly cuts waste and lowers the carbon footprint of commercial fleets. The company believes its scalable, eco-friendly solutions can play a key role in helping the UK meet its climate targets.

Vaculug has invited collaboration with the APPG to demonstrate how retreading supports sustainable transport and contributes to a greener future. The company looks forward to further discussions on how it can assist in the nation’s net zero transition.

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