Hankook has announced that it has been selected as the original equipment manufacturer for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class across all markets.

Hankook has announced that it has been selected as the original equipment manufacturer for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class across all markets.

Hankook has announced that it has been selected as the original equipment manufacturer for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class across all markets.Hankook has announced that it has been selected as the original equipment manufacturer for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class across all markets.

In a release the company said that it is the “MO” label on the tyre wall that Hankook is particularly proud of, as the two letters stand for “Mercedes Original”. 

Only tyres with this seal are approved as original equipment for a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, which abide by aa criteria in this regard, the release said. A tyre has to fulfill up to 50 criteria to meet the strict quality requirements of the Mercedes-Benz Group in terms of safety, precision and comfort.

Jeongho Park, Executive Vice President and Director of OE Division at Hankook Tyre said, “’We are very proud to be the original equipment supplier for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which is considered the absolute top of the luxury segment in the global automotive industry. We see this as confirmation that our products meet the highest requirements across different markets.” 

After Hankook was already represented with a basic tyre on a previous model, Mercedes-Benz has now included Hankook as original equipment manufacturer for a large number of different tyre sizes and types following its approval for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. For the current luxury saloon car presented in September 2020, Hankook supplies three different tyre types, for summer, winter and all-season in a range of different sizes.

In the European market, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 summer tyres range from size 255/50 R 18 to 285/40 R 19. The Mercedes-Benz Group has approved the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 2 in sizes 255/50 R 18 and 255/45 R 19 as winter tyres for its top model. Hankook said it’s engineers were able to significantly improve the driving behaviour of both tyre types with an aramid hybrid reinforcement belt. 

The Hankook Winter i*cept evo 2 also has a further optimised tread stiffness, which is of benefit in terms of handling and mileage. Moonhwa Hong, Senior Vice President and CTO of OE Development Department at Hankook Tyre said, “During the transition from the first to the second casting, we applied additional cross-braces and a lower tread depth. Narrower, lateral tread grooves and a modified contour on the second upper groove once again brought about measurable progress in terms of noise comfort”. 

The Mercedes-Benz Group uses the “MOE” (Mercedes Original Extended) label to designate runflat tyres with reinforced sidewalls. They can continue to be driven at up to 80 km/h even in the event of a sudden loss of pressure. They guarantee sufficient mobility even in the event of a flat tyre, allowing the driver to get from the motorway or a country road to the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership for example. 

In the United States, high speed indices play a minor role due to restrictive speed limits. On the other hand, this market, which is very important for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, has extremely high requirements when it comes to ride and noise comfort. American customers of this luxury model benefit from Hankook Ventus S1 noble 2 in size 255/45 R 19 and in the runflat design. 

The Ventus S1 noble 2 in size 255/40 R 20 is even more comfortable. The “MOE-S” label (Mercedes Original Extended Silent) on the tire wall indicates that the tyre is particularly quiet. In order to meet the stringent noise requirements for this category, Hankook engineers applied Hankook Sound Absorber. This involves integrating a special polyurethane foam plate into the tyre body during the manufacturing process. The plate minimises the vibrations of the air column inside the tyre which are perceived as a particularly unpleasant humming sound. Sound absorber tyres can reduce the peak noise level by five to seven dB(A) and are particularly suitable for ultra-high-performance tires with small cross-sections but large overall resonance cavities. 

Complex simulation tools were used when developing tyres for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, especially when optimising the pass-by noise. These tools make it possible to precisely compare the values calculated in advance with the actual noise development of prototype tires. While the main part of the development work took place in the high-tech R&D centre Hankook Technodome, which opened in 2016, the engineers mainly used test tracks in Germany, Finland or Spain for practical testing. 

Hankook said it’s engineers also identified potential for improvement in the manufacturing process. The all-season and winter tyres in particular have benefited from a new mold release method. While the even separation of the green tyre and the mold was previously ensured by eight mold sectors with almost identical angles, Hankook now uses nine or eleven sectors with different angles. The result of this is that the tyres now meet the strict uniformity goals of the premium manufacturer even better than before while also boasting more harmonious rolling characteristics. (TT)

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HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS was honoured at the sixth Endangered Species Day ceremony, which took place on 1 April 2026 at the Chollipo Arboretum in Taean. The company received a certificate recognising its sponsorship of endangered species conservation. This annual event, organised by the National Institute of Ecology, has been running since 2021 with the goal of increasing public awareness about the protection of threatened species. The institute also runs a special recognition programme that celebrates corporate contributions to conservation efforts.

Since signing an agreement with the National Institute of Ecology in 2022, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has been acknowledged for its ongoing commitment to preserving biodiversity. The firm planted 2,000 specimens of Veronica pusanensis, a Class II endangered wild plant and has been listed as an official conservation sponsor since 2023. The company has also focused on safeguarding essential pollinators like bees. In 2023, it created a pollinator garden at the Mulbeodeul Ecological Experience Learning Center in Seocheon, followed by another in 2024 at the Ulsan Climate Crisis Response Education Center, where nectar rich plants such as canola and buckwheat help sustain bee populations and reproduction.

Additionally, the company tackles threats to biodiversity through regular removal of invasive species. Since 2023, it has annually cleared harmful plants including Sicyos angulatus and Humulus japonicus from Yubu Island in Seocheon, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. These persistent efforts demonstrate a holistic approach to protecting both flora and fauna, from endangered wild plants to critical pollinators, while also managing ecological threats to preserve natural heritage areas.

An ESG official from HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition for our efforts in endangered species conservation. We will continue to work closely with the National Institute of Ecology to further expand and strengthen our conservation initiatives.”

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Kumho Tire USA has renewed its commitment to Formula DRIFT by extending its sponsorship for another three years. For the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, the company has assembled a formidable roster of six elite drivers to represent Team KUMHO. This group includes Jeff Jones, Andy Hateley, Rome Charpentier, Jack Shanahan, Ryan Litteral and Cody Buchanan. Each of them will compete on KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres, a model specifically developed to withstand the punishing conditions of high level competitive drifting.

Jeff Jones returns for his third season with KUMHO and his 18th in the PRO Championship, more determined than ever to reach the podium and build on his legacy as a drifting pioneer. He is also committed to mentoring the next generation of drivers. Andy Hateley, known as the Drift Wizard, brings over two decades of experience as both a driver and builder, entering his third PRO season and third with KUMHO. Rome Charpentier, a Southern California native who began chasing his racing dreams at age 30, has achieved multiple podium finishes worldwide and is starting his second year with KUMHO.

Jack Shanahan, who earned Formula DRIFT PRO 2025 Rookie of the Year on KUMHO tyres, now aims for the championship podium in 2026. Hailing from Ireland, he started racing at 10 and has won multiple international titles in hot rod racing, tarmac rallying and drifting. Ryan Litteral, with over a decade of Formula DRIFT experience, is known for his aggressive yet composed driving style and grassroots roots; 2026 will be his first season with KUMHO. Cody Buchanan, the 2025 PROSPEC Champion and the first driver from North Dakota to earn a Formula DRIFT license, joins KUMHO for his PRO rookie year, bringing consistency under pressure and fan favourite status to the championship chase.

Entering its 23rd season, Formula DRIFT continues to be motorsport's fastest rising discipline, capturing a young audience with over 85 percent of fans aged 18 to 44. Attendance has grown exponentially, and the series now commands more than five and a half million social media followers. By partnering with this energetic and rapidly expanding sport, Kumho Tire taps into a deeply engaged community, reinforcing its image as a premium brand choice in a competitive market.

Shawn Denlein, President of Sales and Marketing, said, "As one of the most popular motorsports in the United States for millennial and Gen Z generations, Formula DRIFT offers an unparalleled platform to showcase the ultra-high-performance capabilities of KUMHO tyres and we are thrilled to be an Official Tyre sponsor through 2029. We are also incredibly proud to partner with an elite lineup of Formula DRIFT PRO drivers in 2026, equipping them with cutting-edge tyres as they push the limits of skill and precision on the track."

Ryan Sage, President, Formula DRIFT, said, "KUMHO has continued to engage with Formula DRIFT in a way that emphasises a strong manufacturer-to-event relationship. Having partnered with teams in a thoughtful and strategic way, its effort drives a powerful narrative throughout the season. And KUMHO tyres appear both competitive and reliable, allowing the teams to push hard on the track against top products from their main rivals. This helps the athletes who are in an extreme situation, going sideways with smoke, walls and fellow competitors just inches away.”

2026 Formula DRIFT Schedule:

• Round 1: Streets of Long Beach (10–11 April, Long Beach, Calif.)
• Round 2: Road to the Championship (7–9 May, Atlanta, Georgia)
• Round 3: Scorched (29–30 May, Orlando, Florida)
• Round 4: Battle at the Springs (18–20 June, Stafford, Connecticut)
• Round 5: Midwest Mayhem (30 July–1 August, Indianapolis, Indiana)
• Round 6: Throwdown (21–22 August, Seattle, Washington)
• Round 7: High Stakes (24–26 September, Las Vegas, Nevada)
• Round 8: Shoreline Showdown (23–24 October, Long Beach, Calif.)

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Singapore-based Radar Tyres has entered into a multi-year partnership with the Texas Rangers baseball team. The idea is to increase the market visibility and dealer engagement for the tyre brand across North America.

The partnership allows Radar Tyres to utilise the Texas Rangers' platform to coordinate with distributors and retailers. The initiative follows a similar strategic partnership with South African Cricket, as the brand seeks to expand its global footprint.

At present, Radar Tyres distributes passenger and light truck tyres in over 80 countries.

Rob Montasser, Vice-President for Radar Tyres, North America, said, “We’re excited to partner with the Texas Rangers, an organisation that represents excellence at the highest level. This partnership gives us a unique opportunity to engage with our dealers and customers in a more impactful way, while continuing to build the Radar brand across key markets like Texas.”

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The ApexTire2025 China Tire Awards took place in Tianjin on 17 March 2026, serving as a premier annual recognition event for the nation’s tyre industry. This year’s programme was structured around key areas including top 10 tyre brands, corporate honours, product accolades and technology innovation awards, showcasing advancements in brand development, product refinement, technical innovation and sustainable practices.

Founded by Tirechina.net, ApexTire has grown into a distinguished annual platform. Beyond celebrating winners, the 2025 edition provided insight into evolving market competition. With categories for new energy vehicle tyres, high-performance products, safety, off-road use, digital intelligence and ESG management, the awards signalled a shift from isolated metrics towards application suitability, user experience and technical strength.

The official top 10 tyre brands include Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, Hankook, Yokohama, Dunlop, Sailun and Linglong. Eagle Tire and Doublestar were recognised as leading domestic brands, underscoring the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers.

Product winners spanned multiple segments. Hankook iON evo won for new energy passenger tyres, while Guizhou Tire Green Motion GL278a took the commercial vehicle honour. Maxxis VICTRA SPORT 6 earned sport flagship recognition. Mount Everest Tire’s STATICS S1 won for quiet comfort, Eagle TA01 for off-road and Pirelli P ZERO Corsa for racing. CST MR-C5 was named best value passenger tyre, CST CA186 won for fuel-efficient commercial tyres and Double Coin DC211+ received the safe and wear-resistant award.

Guizhou Tire’s ‘Kunuo Zhixing’ platform won the Technology Innovation Gold Award, while Linglong received the Digital and Intelligent Innovation Gold Award. Michelin China and Triangle Tire were named ESG benchmark enterprises. As vehicle demand grows more specialised, the ApexTire awards offer a key reference for brands and consumers, illustrating how China’s tyre industry is redefining competitiveness.

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