Odd site. Guy at my office got a new F150 and I noticed it had Hankook tires. Now unless the guy did a immediate change out to Hankook after buying, which is unlikely, Ford is using a south korean tire as OEM. Times they are a changin'
Hankook Tire Receives Global Supplier Award from Ford 5/15/2008 - Hankook Tire Receives Global Supplier Award from Ford WAYNE, NEW JERSEY, May 15, 2008 - Ford Motor Company recently recognized Hankook Tire as one of its outstanding global suppliers contributing to high quality vehicles produced at affordable prices for consumers. The only tire supplier honored at the 10th anniversary of its World Excellence Awards, Ford recognized 47 global suppliers for an outstanding effort. This marks the first time Hankook Tire has received the award from Ford. Greg Pae, president of Hankook Tire America Corp., discussed the importance of this award and Ford’s commitment to quality. “We have a great relationship with Ford and this announcement illustrates that they realize how committed we are to providing them with the best tires in the industry. Ford’s latest result for high quality products is terrific news, and we’re happy to be a part of it.” While Hankook Tire has a strong presence in the replacement market, expanding the company’s original equipment presence is a high priority. “As we continue to grow, the original equipment industry is an area where we want to play a strong role,” said Pae. “Working with manufacturers, such as Ford, allows us to reach new customers, who can experience our products that are specifically tailored for each vehicle.” Hankook Tire is proud to be recognized by Ford as an original equipment supplier. By working closely with Ford to carefully engineer tires that properly fit their vehicles, customers are able to experience the ideal performance that Ford drivers have come to expect. In North America, Hankook Tire supplies tires for Ford’s Focus, Edge, E-250, E-350 and the upcoming Flex. In addition, Ford fits Hankook Tires on the Ford F-150. “This marks the 10th year we have honored world-class suppliers for extraordinary contributions that directly impact Ford’s ability to deliver high quality vehicles and customer satisfaction,” said Tony Brown, group vice president, Global Purchasing. “This commitment to excellence is coming through in the latest quality data, which show Ford’s initial quality in North America is now equal to the best in the industry. These successes belong not just to Ford ? but our suppliers as well.” In addition to Ford, Hankook Tire has global fitments with General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Audi, International Truck and Chrysler. Hankook Tire remains the fastest growing tire manufacturer in the world, posting global sales of $3.4 billion USD in 2007. Sales in North American topped $751 million in 2007 for an increase of more than 9.5 percent over 2006. Last year, Hankook Tire ranked as the world’s seventh largest tire manufacturer and as the sixth largest tire manufacturer in North America, according to Modern Tire Dealer.
Of course any tire that doesn't explode causing your vehicles to roll over and kill your customer base while costing you millions in legal fees and libel awards should be a winner in Ford's book by default.
Why would the UAW care what kind of tire's going on a truck? So long as an actual person is being paid to put it on and not some completely automated machine. Bridgestone/Firestone was French anyways, I like the South Koreans better.
Bridgestone is Japanese, Firestone was American but is now under the Bridgestone umbrella. Michelin is French.