The Volkswagen T5 van, produced at the company’s factory in Hannover, Germany, has the distinction of being fitted with the first tires delivered to a European manufacturer directly from Hankook Tire’s plant in RÁcalmÁs, Hungary.

Supply of the Hankook Radial RA 28 in sizes 205/65R16 C and 215/65R16 C began following a Volkswagen audit held a year ago. A new audit of the RÁcalmÁs facility has now been conducted, and Hankook has received an ‘A’ certification, the highest rating available.

The most recent audit, conducted successfully in February this year, means that from now on Hankook’s Hungarian plant can supply tires to all models manufactured by the Volkswagen Group, where the tire manufacturer holds original equipment approvals.

For Hankook, the extension of the cooperation with Volkswagen, one of its key European OE customers, marks another milestone on its course of growth. "We are satisfied with the results, and we are very proud that we are able to extend the range of our products supplied to the biggest car manufacturer in Europe," said Jin Wook Choi, Hankook executive vice president and COO in Europe. "Hankook is a reliable partner and supplier of high-quality tires to Volkswagen around the globe, and we are convinced that we will be able to strengthen this relationship in the future."

During the audit Volkswagen’s team checked all the manufacturing processes looking for production risks. The audit was extended to the products and their conformity with the drawings. “The Hungarian plant is working on the right lines, and we believe Hankook Tire and Volkswagen will continue to have a very successful supplier relationship in the future,” said Volkswagen’s Ralph Biniasch, who conducted the audit of the Hungarian plant. (Tyres & Accessories)