Ford Motor Co. has recognized Hankook Tire with a World Excellence Award as an outstanding global supplier, marking the third time since 2005 the tiremaker has received this distinction from Ford. 
The award honors suppliers that have aligned themselves with the values and operating practices of Ford while reaching the highest quality, technology and delivery performance, according to Hankook.
“Since first supplying OE tires for Ford vehicles in 1999, Hankook Tire has built and maintained a strong relationship with the Ford Motor Co.,” said Bryan Woo, vice president, Hankook Tire Global OE Division. “Our OE automotive manufacturer partners such as Ford are a vital part of our overall business and allow us to reach new customers, giving them the opportunity to experience the quality and performance of our tires.”
In North America, Hankook Tire supplies OE tires for the Ford Fiesta, Edge, Explorer, Flex, Taurus, E-250, E-350 and F-150, as well as for Ford’s Lincoln brand.
Working closely with Ford, Hankook engineers design tires for Ford’s OE applications, paying attention to proper fit, durability and performance targets, according to the tiremaker. Hankook said it has been steadily expanding its portfolio of OE tire supply to premium automakers, light truck, and commercial truck manufacturers. In 2011, Hankook’s supply of OE tires increased 64% in the U.S.
