The visit of Co-CEOs Jongseon Ahn and Sanghoon Lee to Indonesia marks a pivotal moment in Hankook Tire & Technology’s expansion strategy in Southeast Asia. Their presence signals the growing importance of Indonesia as a central hub for the company’s operations and innovations in the region.

Hankook Tire leadership focuses on sustainability and innovation in Indonesia

During their visit, the Co-CEOs inspected Hankook’s production facility in Cikarang, which serves as a crucial part of the regional supply chain, supporting markets in Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore. The facility manufactures several high-demand tire models, including Ventus Prime 3, Kinergy Eco, and Optimo, reinforcing Hankook's presence in the Indonesian market.

This visit was not only about evaluating the production process. It also highlighted Hankook's commitment to sustainability, with Co-CEO Jongseon Ahn emphasizing the company’s drive for green technology. “Last year, we received a Three-Star Environmental Accreditation from FIA, which shows our commitment to a sustainable future,” Ahn said in a press statement.

Expanding production capacity and regional partnerships for growth

Hankook's strategies for expansion were further underscored by strengthened relationships with key partners such as Hankook Master Nawilis and B-Quik. These partnerships are critical to expanding Hankook’s Original Equipment (OE) supply to global automakers. In line with their growth plans, Hankook aims to increase the Cikarang facility’s production capacity by 20% by 2026. This will cater to the projected 15% annual growth in the Southeast Asian tire market.

Green technology and local marketing strategies drive Hankook’s future vision

Sanghoon Lee, the other Co-CEO, focused on the company’s glocal marketing strategy. “We do not just sell tires; we build an integrated service ecosystem. From training partner technicians to offering tire health checkups through digital tools, we are working to strengthen our relationship with Indonesian consumers,” Lee noted. The success of B-Quik, which operates over 200 stores in Indonesia, further validates this collaborative approach.

Hankook’s vision for the future includes launching three new tire models designed specifically for electric vehicles and urban transportation. As Hankook continues to align its technological advancements with the evolving transportation landscape in Southeast Asia, Indonesia remains a key strategic player in this transformation.

PHOTO: LIPPOCIKARANG

This article was created with AI assistance.