Hankook Tire surpasses 10 trillion won sales with tyre, battery expansion
chosun.com, 6 Mar '26
Hankook & Company Group is establishing a foundation for future growth, supported by improved performance across its core subsidiaries and continued technological development.
The group's key subsidiary, Hankook Tire & Technology (hereinafter referred to as Hankook Tire), recorded annual tyre segment sales of 10.31 trillion won (US$ 6.8 billion) in 2025, representing an increase of 9.6% from the previous year and surpassing 10 trillion won for the first time in its history.
Operating profit reached 1.68 trillion won. Hankook Tire is accelerating its expansion in global markets through its electric vehicle (EV)-dedicated tyre brand iON, which is described as the world's first to provide supply across all vehicle segments, ranging from compact to large models.
As the replacement cycle for EVs popularised in the early 2020s begins, the company expects the market influence of the iON brand to increase significantly. In the North American market, the company is focusing on the growth potential of its SUV and pickup truck-focused tyre brand Dynapro.
Hanon Systems, acquired in 2025, has also recorded measurable results following restructuring efforts. In the previous year, its sales increased by 8.9% to 10.88 trillion won compared with the preceding year.
The company specialises in thermal management systems capable of supporting a wide range of vehicle types, including internal combustion engines, hybrids, battery-electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Analysts indicate that its established technological base could provide a competitive advantage if the transition to EVs accelerates.
Hankook & Company, the group's holding company, reported that its automotive battery business, which accounts for approximately 70% of group sales, contributed significantly to overall performance.
Despite the impact of tariffs in the United States, sales and operating profit from the company's lead-acid battery production and sales operations increased slightly.
The presence of a local production base in the United States within the lead-acid battery industry is considered to enable the company to manage tariff-related pressures more flexibly.
