Hankook Tire’s Winter Tire ‘I FIT’ Wins Red Dot Design Award 2017

• - Hankook Tire recognized as Winner of Red Dot Design Award 2017 with I FIT, Laufenn brand’s studless winter tire for ultimate performance on wet and snowy roads
• - The award once again testifies Hankook Tire as a premium global brand with innovative achievements in design excellence of high-technology

April 4th, 2017 (Seoul, Korea) – Hankook Tire today announced that Laufenn brand’s I FIT, the studless winter tire which offers ultimate performance on wet and snowy roads, has been selected as Winner of the Red Dot Design Award 2017.

This year’s win with Laufenn brand’s I FIT once again proves Hankook Tire’s innovative design leadership and premium brand asset, as recognized by the prestigious global design awards. The Red Dot Design Award is an international design prize awarded by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany since 1955. Since 2001, Hankook Tire has been winning a series of awards from the Red Dot Award.

The award-winning I FIT was highly evaluated for its stable driving performance and excellent grip on snowy and wet conditions. The advanced tread pattern and rubber compound particularly designed for slick snowy or icy winter roads all ensure safe and comfortable driving in tough driving conditions. I FIT’s optimized structure also features enhanced braking and safety while delivering comfortable driving during long wear life.

With a high portion of Laufenn tires’ sales mainly coming from Europe and North America, Hankook Tire is now focusing on shifting the brand’s paradigm by transforming it into a true global name. In particular, since its first launch in North America in 2014, the Laufenn brand has successfully expanded across different regions such as Europe, China and the Middle East. All in all, overall sales of Laufenn tires increased by a staggering 350 percent in 2016 compared to the previous year.

“Following last year’s multiple wins from Red Dot Design, this award once again solidifies Hankook Tire’s commitment and determination to lead future driving through progressive innovation and creative design,” said Mr. Seung Hwa Suh, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire. “We will continue to contribute to advancement in driving with aspiration for innovative technology, both through Hankook and Laufenn’s dedicated technology leadership.”

Meanwhile, Hankook Tire is planning to continue with its aggressive expansion of the Laufenn brand. Laufenn will expand its coverage from 62 countries in 2016 to 86 countries this year.