South Korean tyre manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology reported first-quarter consolidated sales of USD 3.42 billion, marking significant growth following the integration of Hanon Systems as a subsidiary.

The financial results show the combined performance of Hankook’s core tyre business and its newly acquired thermal management segment. For the quarter ending March, the company posted an operating profit of USD 244.1 million.

Hankook’s tyre business alone generated sales of USD 1.62 billion, representing a 10.3 percent year-over-year increase, while operating profit in this segment fell 16.3 percent to USD 229.7 million. The company attributed the profit decline to “rising costs—particularly the rise in raw material costs and ocean freight rates”.

The company’s pivot towards premium and speciality segments continues to gain momentum. 18-inch and larger tyres now comprise 47.1 percent of total passenger car and light truck tyre sales. This premium segment performed particularly well in China, accounting for 64.7 percent of sales.

Electric vehicle tyres have become an increasingly important growth driver for the manufacturer. EV-dedicated products represented 23 percent of original equipment sales for passenger cars and light trucks; a substantial six percentage point increase compared to the same period last year.

The company has expanded its portfolio of OE partnerships, recently beginning to supply its Ventus evo SUV tyres for the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan. Hankook now supplies approximately 50 global premium automotive brands across more than 280 models.

Hanon Systems, the thermal management solutions provider acquired by Hankook in January, contributed USD 1.80 billion in sales but only USD 14.3 million in operating profit for the quarter.

The results come as tyre manufacturers globally face pressure from rising raw material costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions affecting logistics expenses.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has welcomed the bipartisan passage of H.J.Res. 61, a resolution that improves environmental stewardship and lessens financial constraints on tyre manufacturing plants.

The resolution, co-sponsored by more than 20 representatives from 14 states and introduced by Representative Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), repeals the EPA's 29 November 2024 updated rule on Rubber Tire Manufacturing National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). With nine co-sponsors, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) spearheaded the campaign in the Senate with S.J.Res. 24. Before the House vote, USTMA sent in a letter of support for the measure. 

According to the EPA's own evaluation in 2020, the current guideline offers a sufficient margin of safety to safeguard human health and avert a negative environmental impact. On 29 November 2024, however, the EPA released an updated final NESHAP rule that added emission restrictions for total hydrocarbons (THC) and filterable particulate matter to the current NESHAP regulation, in defiance of the agency's own judgment. Because of this, tyre factories must build and run a large number of control devices called regenerative thermal oxidisers, which require a large amount of natural gas to burn impurities. In an effort to lower insignificant HAPs, these new control devices raise carbon emissions while placing a heavy financial burden on tyre manufacturing facilities with no clear emissions reduction target.  

The EPA's objective to protect America's clean air is shared by USTMA member companies. In order to reduce the negative impacts on the American tyre manufacturing business, the environment and the American economy, the USTMA supports Congressional action to overturn this final rule, even as it continues to collaborate with the EPA, the association stated.

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, USTMA, said, “Tyre manufacturers have long understood and complied with the existing NESHAP standards to reduce hazardous air pollutant (HAPs) emissions from tyre manufacturing. However, the agency’s revised final NESHAP rule creates an adverse environmental impact, while imposing significant financial burdens on tyre manufacturing facilities and providing negligible, if any, benefits. The industry appreciates the Congressional leadership and bipartisan efforts in getting this resolution passed.”

China's tyre industry posted modest growth in 2025 with its total brand value edging up from USD 2.7 billion to USD 2.8 billion, according to Brand Finance's latest Tyres 25 2025 report.

Sailun strengthened its position as China's most valuable tyre brand with a 13 percent increase in brand value to USD 905 million. The manufacturer achieved a significant milestone by breaking into the global top 10 for the first time, displacing Japan's Toyo Tires. Sailun also emerged as China's fastest-growing tyre brand this year, with Brand Finance's market research highlighting the brand's strong credibility both domestically and in international markets.

Linglong Tire retained its status as China's strongest tyre brand despite a 2 percent decline in brand value to $785 million. The company recorded a Brand Strength Index score of 62.6 out of 100, earning an A+ brand strength rating. According to Brand Finance's analysis, Linglong's performance is primarily driven by its eco-friendly product range and overseas expansion initiatives.

"China's tyre sector may have seen modest growth, but brands like Sailun and Linglong Tire are clearly leading the charge. Sailun's rise in global rankings is a testament to its growing reputation, not just in China but around the world. The brand’s growth is driven by high credibility both locally and internationally, while Linglong continues to maintain its position by focusing on brand strength and sustainability. These brands prove that even in a challenging market, staying innovative and connected to consumers can drive real success,” said Scott Chen, Managing Director of Brand Finance China.

Other Chinese brands featuring in the global rankings include Sentury Tire (down 12 percent to USD 332 million) at 19th position, CST (down 1 percent to USD 289 million) at 22nd, and Triangle Tyre (valued at $226 million), securing the 25th spot.

The combined brand value of the world’s top 25 tyre brands increased by 5 percent to $38.8 billion, outperforming the largely stagnant broader automotive industry. Manufacturers are heavily investing in innovation to meet evolving market demands, including green tyre technology, innovative RFID-enabled products and specialised offerings for electric vehicles.

Michelin has secured its position as the world's most valuable tyre brand for the eighth consecutive year, according to the latest Brand Finance report. 

The French manufacturer saw its brand value climb 11 percent to USD 8.8 billion, whilst also achieving the sector's highest Brand Strength Index score of 92.6 out of 100, placing it 15th amongst the strongest brands globally across all industries.

Brand Finance's research indicates Michelin enjoys exceptional familiarity and recommendation metrics across nearly all markets, underpinned by its reputation for quality, innovation and trust. Despite maintaining premium pricing—which can present challenges in price-sensitive segments where consumers struggle to identify the added value of high-end tyres—the brand continues to dominate on quality and reliability metrics.

Japanese firm Bridgestone maintained its second-place ranking with an 8 percent increase in brand value to USD 8.3 billion, bolstered by strong North American performance and ongoing investment in premium electric vehicle tyres.

Continental Tires rounded out the top three despite suffering the largest brand value decline among the top 10 contenders, falling 16 percent to USD 3.9 billion. The German manufacturer's drop reflects weaker 2024 revenue, persistently lower brand strength scores in the US market and a less optimistic outlook.

The combined brand value of the top 25 tyre brands rose 5 percent to USD 38.8 billion, outperforming the largely stagnant wider automotive sector. Industry players are heavily investing in innovations such as green tyre technology, smart RFID-enabled products and EV-specific offerings as vehicle electrification reshapes market demands.

"Tyre brands are driving growth by investing in innovation, digital integration, and EV readiness. Electrification is reshaping product demands, and international competition continues to intensify. Brands that adapt quickly to evolving technologies and shifting global markets are best positioned for future success," said Lorenzo Coruzzi, Director at Brand Finance.

Finnish manufacturer Nokian Tyres emerged as the ranking's fastest-growing brand with a remarkable 31 percent surge to USD 343 million. Within the top 10, Japan's Yokohama achieved the strongest growth, increasing 23 percent to USD1.5 billion, fuelled by record profitability, robust consumer tyre sales and effective pricing strategies.

China's Sailun broke into the top 10 for the first time, displacing Japan's Toyo Tires, which experienced a 4 percent decline to USD 852.1 million.

Hankook Tire’s iON FlexClimate tyre has scored top marks in the safety-relevant categories of Auto Bild’s latest EV all-season tyre check and received a clear purchase recommendation.

In a thorough analysis of 10 areas, the testers compared two other rival tyres in the size 245/45 R 19 with Hankook's premium tyre made especially for electric vehicles. The Hankook iON FlexClimate emerged unbeatable in six individual categories and also excelled in other four categories. The Hankook iON FlexClimate stood out from its rivals in the crucial category of ‘performance in the wet’ by winning all four individual criteria, including the highest ratings for handling, braking distance, aquaplaning behaviour and aquaplaning when cornering.

The premium tyre's ‘agile steering behaviour’ and ‘good balance’ in terms of driving dynamics were validated by the testers on a dry surface, which produced the best handling results. In addition to having the quickest braking distance on dry roads, the iON FlexClimate also performed admirably in terms of rolling resistance, which is a crucial component of vehicle range. It received a total score of 1.4, placing it in first place.

The final verdict from the tyre testers read: “This all-rounder delivers balanced performance at the highest level for safe driving in all weather conditions. Its good driving dynamics do not compromise on driving fun.”