[January 08, 2013]

Hankook Tire's New Iconic R&D Center: High-Tech Facility Combined with Design Innovation

Hankook Tire, the leading and one of the fastest growing tire companies in the world, has recently unveiled its plan for construction of the company's new, high-tech central R&D facility in Korea. For this project, Hankook Tire has contracted a partnership agreement with the world's high-profile architectural firm, Foster+Partners, for architect and interior design of the building.

On January 7^th, Hankook Tire and Foster+Partners held a signing ceremony in Daejeon, Korea, in commemoration of the new partnership for this project.

Hankook Tire's new R&D center is projected to be equipped with the high-tech, future-oriented facilities, such as a seven-story tire auto-stacking system and smart information system. Through such a latest and state-of-the-art research facility, Hankook Tire aims to provide the best suited research environment for its researchers, therefore securing the premium product quality and extending sustainable growth of the company into the future.

Foster+Partners, founded by the prominent British architect Sir Norman Foster, is a high-profile architectral firm in the field, famous for its high-tech, future-oriented architectural designs and glass-and-steel buildings. Based in London, Foster+Partners has undertaken various important international large-scale projects, such as Millennium Bridge, London City Hall, Swiss Reinsurance, Great Court at the British Museum, Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank Headquarters, and New York Hearst Tower.

Mr. Hyun Bum Cho, President & CMO/CCMO (Chief Marketing Officer / Chief Corporate Management Officer) at Hankook Tire said "Upon completion of the new R&D facility, Hankook Tire will be able to further strengthen research capabilities to develop cutting-edge tire technology." He also added, "The new R&D center will enable us to accelerate the introduction of new tires with even more advanced features, fulfilling our customers demand for better, premium quality products. The new research center will become Hankook Tire's vital growth driver towards becoming the top-five tire company in the world."

Hankook Tire's new R&D center, covering the total area of 99,175 m², will be located at Daedeok Innopolis, the country's premier research complex in Daejeon. The construction of the new facility is projected to be completed by the end of 2015.

About Hankook Tire Co., Ltd

Hankook Tire (Vice Chairman & CEO: Seung Hwa Suh) is the leading and one of the fastest growing tire manufacturers in the world. It produces innovative, superior quality and high performance radial tires for passenger cars, 4x4s, SUVs, light trucks, campers, trucks, buses and motorsports. Aspiring to bring consumers the utmost excellence in quality and driving satisfaction, Hankook Tire consistently invests in research and development through its five global R&D centers. Hankook Tire products are currently available worldwide in over 180 countries.

For more information, please visit Hankook Tire's global web site at www.hankooktire.com.

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