Your Information
*Name	First Name Last Name
*E-mail Address	@ ex) admin@hankooktire.com

Your Information
*Name	First Name Last Name
*E-mail Address	@ ex) admin@hankooktire.com

Your Information
Message

Evolution of Tires

As the tire has evolved over the last 100 years, advances have been made in parallel with the development of automobiles. Since our beginning, Hankook has contributed to tire innovation and enhanced true driving emotion while putting emphasis on becoming one with the environment.

Solid Rubber Solution

Composed of only firm rubber without
the need for air, the solid rubber tire is used mostly
for slow-speed vehicles because of
its poor shock absorption ability.
1888

The Beginning of Tire History

Gasoline Cars
and the Pneumatic Tire

In 1888, Benz invented the first gasoline car,
equipped with unique metal tires covered with rubber and filled with air, resulting in the pneumatic tire. The public, which was accustomed to hard, metal tires, believed the pneumatic tire to be no less than revolutionary. Popular use of the pneumatic tire began in 1895 and it was featured in an automobile race from Paris to Bordeaux.
1905

Tread Tire

The tread is the part of the tire that comes in direct contact with the road surface. Made out of thick rubber, the tread protects the carcass and breaker inside the tire. Road surface friction levels increased with the development of the tread tire, and today it is produced in a variety of patterns.
1920

The Development of Tire Materials

Popularization of
Automobiles and
the Industrialization
of Synthetic Rubber

In late 1913, Henry Ford introduced the first
conveyor belt assembly line to the world, marking the start of the first stage of automobile popularization.
In 1931, the American company Du Pont successfully industrialized synthetic rubber.
This development allowed the tire industry, which had been dependent on natural rubber, to increase tire quantity and quality,
ushering in a turning point in tire production.
1923

Balloon Tire

A type of low-pressure tire, the balloon tire is used in various types of automobiles
to increase the area of road surface contact with its low internal air pressure.
1940

Tire Structure Development

Structural Development of
Automobiles and Tires
to Save Fuel

In order to relieve the burden of sky-high oil prices brought on by the oil shock, it became popular to reduce the size and weight of existing car models. Many manufacturers eventually employed the front-wheel drive method for their cars. With the development of the tubeless tires in 1903, the resulting weight reduction contributed significantly to the saving of fuel.
1947

Tubeless Tire
1949

Radial Tire

First invented in the 1950s, the radial tire refers to a type of tire in which the cords are slightly slanted according to driving direction. Because of low road surface resistance levels, this is conducive to fuel saving.
The radial tire also offers good drivability for high-speed travel because of its excellent adhesiveness to the road.
1970

Increased Tire Safety

The Second Stage of Automobile
Popularization and Safety

After World War II, automobile production increased in accordance with the rapid development of auto technology, giving rise to the second stage of automobile popularization. Developed in 1979, the run-flat tire can be used at speeds up to 80 kmp/h without needing to change tires even in the event of a flat.
1980

Run-Flat Tire

Even with scratches or holes caused due to obstacles or tire abrasion while driving, and the resulting decrease in air pressure, the run-flat tire is able to maintain a constant driving speed. It protects the driver from various accidents that can arise in emergency situations.
Increased Tire Performance

Increased Tire Performance due to Development of the UHP Tire

With the transformation of the automobile from an effective method of transportation into a symbol of personal financial power and freedom, people became increasingly interested in driving performance.
Driving performance increased with the development of the UHP (Ultra High Performance) tire, which boasts superior cornering, drivability and braking, in accordance with the development of tire technology.
UHP Tire

Born through tire technology development, the UHP tire boasts a rim diameter equal to or greater than 16 inches, a flatness ratio equal to or less than 55, and a V speed rating (highest speed of 240 kmph). It has reinforced braking ability, high-speed travel and cornering performance.
2000

Tires and the Environment

The Development of
the Eco Tuning Tire

With increasing interest in environmental conservation, a variety of eco-friendly cars like the hydrogen car and electric car are being developed. Accordingly, tires that increase fuel saving and thus help protect the environment are also in development.
2012

The Future of Tires

Non-Pneumatic Tires

In 2012, Hankook developed an airless
tire using a new type of material.
The Non Pneumatic Tire (NPT) saves energy by reducing the production process by half.
Created from a new type of uni-material,
it can be reused or recycled.
The NPT will be used for eco-friendly car models including hydrogen, electric and hybrid cars.