Hankook Tire has launched a strategic brand film that forges a direct link between the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). This narrative leverages Hankook’s exclusive status as the tyre supplier for both premier FIA series to demonstrate its technological breadth. The film’s core concept is an immersive driver exchange, featuring Maximilian Günther of the DS Penske Formula E Team and Adrien Fourmaux of the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team. The two drivers swap their respective machines – the all-electric GEN3 Evo race car and the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 rally car – to gain a firsthand understanding of each other's discipline.

The production highlights this contrast by featuring dynamic, side-by-side footage of the specific tyres engineered for each challenge: the GEN3 Evo iON Race electric racing tyre and the extreme all-weather Dynapro R213 rally tyre. This visual comparison serves to underscore Hankook’s claim of race-proven performance and versatility across fundamentally different motorsport environments. The experience of the drivers in unfamiliar cars provides an authentic testament to the tyre technology, a point reinforced by positive feedback from representatives of both championships regarding Hankook’s cross-discipline capabilities.

The film, which includes a surprise cameo from Hankook’s Motorsport Director Manfred Sandbichler to signal the start of the action, is part of a broader content rollout. It will be supported by behind-the-scenes footage and short-form content, released in stages across Hankook’s global website and social media channels. This initiative is a showcase of Hankook’s extensive global motorsport involvement, which includes supplying tyres for over 70 FIA-sanctioned competitions. The data and insights harvested from these extreme conditions are channelled into the company’s advanced R&D infrastructure, including the Technoplex headquarters and the Hankook Technoring proving ground, to accelerate technological innovation and solidify its leadership in the tyre market.

Günther said, “I had full confidence in delivering a strong run thanks to Hankook’s exceptional grip and stability.”

Fourmaux said, “The tyres delivered consistent grip and sharp responsiveness at high speed, enabling me to approach the race with complete composure.”

Arne Dirks, Chief Marketing Officer of WRC Promoter GmbH, said, “WRC embraces innovation, and from the outset, that is exactly what this project has been about. It was fantastic for us to be able to join Formula E, to get insights into their world and share with them the thrill of WRC. This, of course, would not have been possible without Hankook, with whom we are continuing to grow and evolve in the first year of our fruitful relationship.”

“It is a rare and exciting opportunity to see cars from two of the FIA's World Championships taking to the same track at the same time. This video really demonstrates the impressive variety in terms of format and technologies that are offered in top-level FIA competitions, with innovation tailored specifically to the unique challenges of racing and rallying environments. It goes to show that there is not one single solution when it comes to either racing or the wider mobility landscape, and that the core DNA of motor sport is consistent regardless of the category. Thanks to our colleagues at Hankook, Formula E, WRC Promoter and Hyundai for making it happen," said an FIA spokesperson.

Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said, “As the world’s most progressive and competitive motorsport, Formula E has always been bold and ambitious in its approach to success. What has been central in our DNA, however, is pushing the boundaries of performance. What this film demonstrates is that not only are we here to disrupt and innovate but develop world-leading expertise and new technologies.”

Manfred Sandbichler, Director, Hankook Motorsport, said, “Hankook's technology and quality, trusted by leading motorsports entities such as Formula E and WRC, continue to deliver outstanding performance. Like our motorsports slogan, 'Race Beyond Limits', we remain committed to innovation and the ultimate driving experience.”

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Hankook Tire is supplying its Ventus F200 racing tyre to the HWA EVO.R sedan, competing in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, taking place from 14 to 17 May in Germany. Serving as the Official Technology Partner of HWA AG, Hankook is providing technical assistance throughout the race weekend with the Ventus F200 fitted to the HWA EVO.R in the open SP-X class for high-performance tuned vehicles. The racing slick is engineered for dry conditions and aims to deliver stable performance under extreme endurance racing demands.

Recognised globally in motorsport, the Ventus F200 incorporates advanced compound technologies that enhance driving performance and achieve roughly a 10 percent weight reduction over its predecessor. The tyre offers strong grip, high-speed stability and precise handling under demanding race conditions. HWA AG, founded by former Mercedes-AMG Co‑Founder Hans Werner Aufrecht, is a noted global motorsport engineering company specialising in high‑performance vehicle development.

This collaboration expands an existing strategic partnership, following Hankook’s original equipment tyre supply for the limited‑production HWA EVO last year. Hankook currently provides several ultra‑high‑performance OE products for that model, including the Ventus evo Z, Ventus evo and Winter i*cept evo3. Moving forward, Hankook plans to strengthen its premium brand competitiveness by deepening cooperation with HWA AG in both OE and motorsport sectors.

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HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has secured a place on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class (DJ BIC) Korea Index for three years running, marking consistent recognition from the S&P Global benchmark for corporate sustainability. This index, released by a major global financial information provider, is known as a highly trusted gauge of ESG performance. Membership is limited to the top 30 percent of companies per industry, drawn from the two hundred largest listed firms in South Korea by market value.

In a related achievement, the company also appeared in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2026 for the second straight year. The latest assessment reviewed over 9,200 businesses across 59 industries worldwide, and HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS earned a Yearbook Member designation by placing within the top fifteen percent of its global industry.

To drive these results, the firm has built an ESG framework on four pillars: Zero Fatality for safety, Zero Emission for carbon reduction, Zero Waste for circular resource use and Zero Impact for stakeholder accountability. Senior management directly oversees a Sustainability Management Committee and specialised subcommittees, ensuring that ESG strategies are implemented across the entire organisation to boost corporate value.

Jim Jindal Lim, CEO, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS, said, “Our inclusion in DJ BIC Korea for three consecutive years and our second consecutive listing in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook demonstrate that HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has consistently implemented meaningful changes for sustainable management. We will continue strengthening our response to climate change and enhancing our corporate social responsibility.”

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Dr Suttipong Angthong, Secretary-General of the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), attended the TRA & TLA Dinner 2026 on 8 May 2026. The high-profile gathering was jointly organised by the Thai Rubber Association (TRA) and the Thai Latex Association (TLA) at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders from across the rubber and latex sectors to foster professional relationships and examine the shifting dynamics of the global natural rubber market.

The event served as a critical platform for Dr Angthong to engage in high-level discussions on market sustainability, trade relations and technological advancement. Particular attention was given to the long-term viability of rubber production, improving synergy between producers and exporters and the growing role of latex processing in the modern economy. His presence highlighted the ANRPC’s dedication to supporting member countries through close cooperation with national associations.

Thailand continues to hold a foundational position in the global natural rubber industry. The partnership between the TRA and TLA acts as a key driver of both innovation and regional stability, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts to navigate the evolving market landscape.

Dr Angthong said, "Events like the TRA & TLA Dinner are essential for maintaining the pulse of the industry. It is through these partnerships that we ensure the natural rubber sector remains resilient and forward-looking."

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Continental is preparing to appear at this year’s TOC Europe with a combined offering of advanced tyres and digital management tools. The company’s presence at the event will emphasise its drive to make port logistics both high-performing and resource-conscious.

The exhibition lineup is built around the theme ‘Driven by Excellence’, featuring the ContiConnect digital tyre platform alongside the new DockMaster Radial tyre. The latter is a purpose-built product for harsh port environments, including automated guided vehicles, reach stackers and heavy forklifts. A company representative has explained that every solution is tailored directly to real customer needs in port operations, blending tyre engineering with data services to enable more energy-efficient and digitally managed workflows.

TOC Europe 2026 will run from 19 to 21 May at the Hamburg exhibition grounds. Continental will receive visitors in Hall B6 at Booth B44, where the focus will fall on operational safety, sustainability and efficiency gains.

ContiConnect plays a central role in cutting tyre management costs and streamlining fleet operations. Properly managed tyre pressure can lower fuel use by up to two percent, while continuous monitoring extends tyre life by as much as 20 percent, simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and operating expenses. The system comes in two forms. ContiConnect Lite is a mobile, app-based entry tool requiring no extra infrastructure, whereas ContiConnect Pro delivers real-time data, automated reports and system integration for large fleets.

The DockMaster Radial tyre stands out for its durable, efficient and robust design. A large footprint and maximised tread volume prolong service life, while the radial build lowers heat buildup over long travel distances. Its rolling resistance is lower than that of bias-ply tyres, improving energy efficiency. An integrated sensor tracks both temperature and inflation pressure, while a specialised rubber compound resists cuts, abrasion and cracking. This makes the tyre especially suitable for intense applications with extended operating ranges and punishing ground surfaces.

Beyond products, Continental offers a data-led tyre consulting service to lower total ownership costs and improve resource use. Experts analyse operational data including distance, speed and active cycle time to advise on vehicle deployment, route planning and tyre selection. Detailed usage studies help match the right tyre to each application, reducing premature failures, extending tyre life and delivering clear efficiency improvements for port operators.

Federico Jiménez, Head of Business Development and Product Management for Continental’s Commercial Specialty Tires, said, “We consistently align our solutions with the requirements of our customers in port operations. With our combination of innovative tyre technology and data-driven services, we enable more energy-efficient, digital, and therefore more efficient operations.”

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