Premium tire manufacturer Hankook today published its consolidated global financial results for Q1 2026, reporting sales revenue of KRW 5.3139 trillion (approximately EUR 3,100.7 million) and an operating profit of KRW 506.9 billion (approximately EUR 295.8 million). Compared to the previous year, sales revenue and operating profit increased by 7 percent and 42.9 percent respectively.
In the tire segment, sales revenue increased by 9.3 percent year-on-year to KRW 2.5657 trillion (approximately EUR 1,497.1 million), while operating profit rose by 31.1 percent to KRW 437.5 billion (approximately EUR 255.2 million). The operating margin stood at 17.1 percent. Amid continued global uncertainties, including tariffs and high oil prices, the expansion of the company’s original equipment tire portfolio for electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as increased replacement tire sales in regions such as Europe, Korea, and China, contributed to the company’s consistent business growth.
In the thermal management segment, Hanon Systems, consolidated as a Hankook subsidiary since 2025, recorded Q1 2026 sales revenue of KRW 2.7482 trillion (approximately EUR 1,603.6 million), representing a 5 percent increase compared to the previous year. Operating profit rose by 361.1 percent year-on-year to KRW 97.2 billion (approximately EUR 56.7 million), reflecting stable business expansion.
At Hankook, tires of 18 inches and above accounted for 49.1 percent of total passenger car and light truck tire sales in Q1 2026, an increase of two percentage points compared to the previous year. In addition, 29.6 percent of original equipment tire sales volume for passenger cars and light trucks came from electric vehicles, representing an increase of 6.6 percentage points year-on-year.
During the first quarter of 2026, Hankook continued to expand its original equipment tire supply for both internal combustion engine and electric vehicle models from leading global automotive manufacturers. The company currently supplies original equipment tires for approximately 50 global automotive brands and around 300 vehicle models. These figures highlight the recognition of the company’s advanced technological capabilities and the competitiveness of its products.
At the same time, Hankook is strengthening its presence in the electric vehicle market through the iON brand, the world’s first full tire lineup developed specifically for electric vehicles. Based on technological expertise built even before the commercialization of electric vehicles, Hankook continues to expand its presence in global markets and currently offers a product portfolio covering approximately 300 size specifications, ranging from 16 to 22 inches.
In addition, Hankook continues to supply tires for motorsports and supports participating teams in more than 70 global events, including the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo. The data and expertise gained from these competitions are actively incorporated into the development of integrated solutions for internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles, and next-generation mobility solutions.
Hankook continues to strengthen its global supply capabilities through the ongoing expansion of its manufacturing facilities in Tennessee, USA, and in Hungary for the European market. The company also plans to expand its partnerships with premium automotive brands. Its goal is to increase the proportion of large-diameter tires to 51 percent and electric vehicle tires to more than 33 percent of original equipment tire sales volume for passenger cars and light trucks.
