Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. ranks first in German winter tire test, beating 9 global rivals

[Financial News] Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. ranked first in a German automotive magazine’s comparative winter tire test, beating 9 competing products from around the world. It received the highest score for its ability to resist hydroplaning on wet roads and was recognized for balanced driving performance on both snow and dry roads. The company plans to build on this evaluation to accelerate its push into the global premium winter tire market, including in Europe and North America.
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. said on the 23rd that its winter performance tire, Winter i*cept evo4, took first place overall in a comparative winter tire test by German automotive magazine Auto Bild.
The evaluation tested 10 winter tire products in size 225/55 R18 for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossovers, fitted to a BMW X1. Winter i*cept evo4 earned an overall score of 1.3 and a “Very Good” rating, beating all 9 competing products.
The tire received particularly high marks on wet roads. It earned the top score in tests of hydroplaning in straight-line driving and cornering, with a rating of 1.2. It also recorded the highest average speed in dry-road handling tests, demonstrating stable driving performance, and was recognized for its excellent grip on snow.
This performance is the result of applying Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.’s latest winter tire technology. Winter i*cept evo4 features a “Balance Grip Compound” that enhances grip on a range of road surfaces. Its V-shaped tread pattern is designed to quickly channel water off the road to both sides, helping prevent hydroplaning.
Snow performance and durability have also been improved. Wider lateral grooves and micro-grooves at various angles have increased snow grip and traction by 5% compared with the previous model. Optimizing the tire’s contact area and curing process has also improved mileage performance by 15% over the previous model. Lower rolling resistance has improved fuel efficiency as well.
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. first introduced Winter i*cept evo4 to the European market in June this year, followed by its launch in the domestic market last September. It plans to expand sales to major markets, including North America.
Meanwhile, Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. is conducting tests at its research and development facility, Hankook Technodome, using artificial climate conditions to simulate a range of winter road environments, including snow and ice. The company aims to enhance the driving stability and technological competitiveness of its winter tires through these tests.

[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter