Hankook Tire America Corp. has launched an updated Empowerment Online Training Program – hankookempowerment.com – created to educate dealers about the tiremaker’s products and help them earn certification as a Hankook tire specialist.

First launched in 2009, the updated Empowerment Online Training Program provides product, design and safety information that dealers can use at the point of sale when interacting with consumers. In addition to the program’s existing training modules – covering tire basics and details on Hankook tires – two new modules have been added covering Hankook’s winter and commercial tire products.

Each of the program’s training modules includes an opening video followed by detailed information such as product sales guides, application guides, a positioning/competitive comparison guide and data sheet with detailed product data.

In order to become a Hankook Certified Tire Specialist, users must complete each of the program’s Tire Basics, Ventus, Dynapro and Broadline training module tests with a score of 80% or better. As an added incentive, users that score 80% or better on each test will receive a $70 Hankook American Express Reward Card. Those reaching 100% scores will receive a $100 Hankook American Express Reward Card.  

“Consumers have a wide selection of tire brands to choose from when shopping for new replacement tires for their vehicles,” said Henry Kopacz, public relations and product marketing specialist. “While there are numerous places that consumers can gather information for their next tire purchase, the face to face contact they have with a sales person is vitally important in that decision-making process. Our Empowerment Online Training Program provides salespeople the information and knowledge to confidently recommend our products to consumers.”