As part of the agreement, Hankook will provide steer and drive position tires for International’s CF Series trucks, 4000 Series tractors and IC bus equipment. The tires to be supplied include: AH06 and AH11 all-position, DH01 drive, AH12 medium distance all-position, Z35A deep tread super traction, and DL01 long haul drive tires.
Delivery of the tires to International began in the third and fourth quarters of 2005, Hankook said, adding that it plans to increase its truck tire production in Korea to meet the requirements of the OE agreement.
The supply of replacement truck tires to Hankook’s U.S. dealer network will not be affected, according to Bill Bainbridge, marketing director for Hankook Tire America Corp.
"This OE supply agreement fits in perfectly with our overall strategic plan to broaden our medium truck tire business, and establishes Hankook as one of the principal suppliers to International Truck and Engine," said Bainbridge. “The agreement demonstrates that Hankook is moving forward as one of the world’s premier truck tire manufacturers."
"The agreement with International coincides with Hankook’s effort to supply larger fleets with Hankook’s line of TBR product," added Brian Sheehey, Hankook’s truck and bus radial tire specialist. "Courting larger fleet business is part of our growth strategy, and our partnership with International Truck and Engine and IC Corp. will translate to additional replacement business for our network of dealers as well."
Hankook said in a release that International Truck and Engine is the marketshare leader in Class 6 and 7 commercial vehicles.
