Hankook joins forces with virtual influencer ‘Mono Mars’ within the framework of Formula E

Hankook collaborates with virtual space explorer Mono Mars to convey core values of the all-electric racing series
Social media partnership kicks off with season 9
Focus on innovative Hankook technologies featured in the EV racing tyre iON race

Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 11 January 2023 – Hankook has secured intergalactic support for its Formula E activities. Likeable virtual AI robot Mono Mars will help the premium tyre manufacturer reach out to motorsports fans worldwide as official Hankook partner for the ninth season of the all-electric racing series.

Mono Mars is a virtual influencer inspired by Mars exploration rovers. His presence on all the major social networks includes over 110K followers on Instagram, keeping tabs on his exploits on earth and in space. His friendly, unique metaverse character makes him popular around the world as he shares space and tech-oriented content with underlying social themes such as climate change and environmental pollution.

Hankook appointed Mono Mars as its Formula E influencer because their shared core values on topics such as sustainability and innovative technology make them a perfect match. The two are planning a variety of social media content relating to the electric racing series, with the aim of establishing a close dialogue with motorsports fans and younger target groups.

The overall package includes interviews with popular drivers, ‘E-village’ experiences and real-time race information directed at reinforcing the premium brand image of Hankook through the exclusive iON Formula E racing tyre.

Formula E Season 9 is set to begin on 14 January with the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix, the first of 16 races in 11 countries over the next seven months. The final race is the London E-Prix, which takes place at the end of July. This season, 22 drivers from 11 teams will compete for the championship, using the expertise of eight global vehicle brands: DS Automobiles, Jaguar, Maserati, McLaren, Mahindra & Mahindra, NIO, Nissan and Porsche.

The Gen3 electric vehicle makes its debut this season with a significantly increased maximum output of 350 kW (475 horsepower). All cars will be fitted with Hankook’s iON race, created specifically for EVs in close collaboration with the FIA. Dedicated technologies mean it offers the best racing performance and excellent efficiency.

Hankook is accelerating its motorsports activities with industry-leading racing tyre technology, and sponsors teams in more than 70 domestic and international motorsports championships. It has been active as an official sponsor and technical partner of Formula E since September 2022, thus driving the evolution of electric motorsports.

Over Hankook Tire

Hankook produceert wereldwijd innovatieve, prijswinnende high performance radiaalbanden voor het premium segment voor auto's, SUV's, terreinwagens, lichte vrachtwagens, vrachtwagens en bussen evenals voor de autosport (circuit- en straatracen/rally's).

Hankook investeert voortdurend in onderzoek en ontwikkeling om haar klanten steeds de hoogste kwaliteit in combinatie met uitstekende technologie te bieden. In vijf ontwikkelingscentra en acht grote fabrieken wereldwijd ontwikkelt en produceert Hankook bandoplossingen, die specifiek zijn afgestemd op de wensen en eisen van de regionale markten. In Europa vindt de bandontwikkeling voor de lokale markten en eerste montage plaats in overeenstemming met de toonaangevende Europese autofabrikanten in het regionale technisch centrum in Hannover/Duitsland. De banden worden onder andere geproduceerd in de ultramoderne Europese fabriek in Rácalmás/ Hongarije, die in 2007 werd ingewijd en voortdurend uitgebreid wordt.

Het Europese hoofdkwartier van de bandenfabrikant is gevestigd in Neu-Isenburg, Duitsland in de buurt van Frankfurt am Main. De fabrikant heeft meerdere vestigingen in verschillende Europese landen en verkoopt haar producten op andere lokale markten via regionale distributeurs. Wereldwijd biedt Hankook werk aan ongeveer 20.000 mensen en levert haar producten in meer dan 160 landen. Het bedrijf is geselecteerd als de technische partner en exclusieve bandenleverancier van Generatie 3 voor het FIA ABB Formule E Wereldkampioenschap, dat start in 2023. Toonaangevende autofabrikanten vertrouwen bij de eerste montage op banden van Hankook. Ongeveer 38 procent van de wereldwijde omzet van de onderneming is afkomstig uit Europa.

Verdere informatie vindt u via www.hankooktire-mediacenter.com of www.hankooktire.com

Hankook Tire Europe GmbH | Marketing Communications Europe | Siemensstr. 14, 63263 Neu-Isenburg | Germany