Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 21st August 2025 – Two decades of success in Europe – and beyond: 20 years ago, premium tyre manufacturer Hankook celebrated its launch into the European market for high-end, ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres with the Ventus S1 evo. Since then, Hankook has continually developed the summer tyre for maximum performance, evolving through four generations to the latest Hankook Ventus evo. The result: numerous test wins and the trust of over 30 vehicle manufacturers that rely on Ventus tyres as original equipment. The sales figures underscore this success, with global sales of the Ventus line growing by an average of around ten percent annually over the past two decades.
Success story spanning four tyre generations
The Ventus tyre name dates back to 1991, however, the launch of the Hankook Ventus S1 evo, which featured the distinct 'wave pattern’ in the tread for the first time, marked Hankook's entry into the premium segment for UHP tyres in Europe in 2005. Thanks to its excellent driving characteristics, this consistently sporty model asserted itself in this segment from the beginning and grew its fan base with each subsequent evolutionary stage. Each new generation has since delivered steadily enhanced characteristics, both at high speeds and dry or wet roads.
The current Ventus evo model launched last year marks a new industry standard, combining outstanding wet grip with impressively low rolling resistance and high mileage. A perfect example of AI-assisted development: Designed with performance balance in mind, the Hankook premium tyre combines the requirements for sporty performance with the highest standards of uncompromising safety. Hankook is also setting standards by leveraging AI in the development of tyre mixtures. The current Ventus evo overcomes traditional trade-offs with its innovative mixture. As a result, the Ventus evo offers a superior driving experience, even during summer downpours. Wide drainage grooves ensure good evacuation of water and, in combination with the optimised tyre contact area, reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
Other highlights like the Ventus S1 evo Z launched in the UUHP segment (ultra ultra high performance) in 2021 extend Hankook’s premium portfolio. Developed for high-performance sports cars, it offers even more grip and directional stability in fast corners as well as maximum stability at high speeds.
The Ventus family today covers a wide range of different applications in Europe, from premium comfort tyres to UHP and UUHP tyres. Another new model is set to launch this year, underscoring Hankook’s commitment to advancing the Ventus line.
Original equipment for more than 30 brands
The ever-growing presence of Hankook Ventus tyres in original equipment is further proof of its outstanding qualities. Worldwide, over 30 brands rely on tyres from the Ventus line, with models from Mercedes-AMG, BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen Group shipped from the factory with premium tyres from Hankook. Since 2023, Hankook has also been official technology partner of BRABUS, where among others, Ventus UHP and UUHP tyres are used.
Reference on the race track: Ventus in motorsport
The reputation of Hankook's Ventus line is built on its successful track record in motorsport. The Ventus racing tyre is currently in use in the international Lamborghini Super Trofeo GT racing series on three continents, to name one example. Developed specifically for the Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo Evo2, this racing tyre delivers a high level of grip with maximum consistency in all conditions. In addition, Hankook is represented in the FIA World Rally Championship and numerous other motorsport series with Ventus racing tyres.
International driving events during the anniversary year
Hankook recently invited international influencers from the scene to Korea for the Ventus Experience where they learnt about the successful Ventus story, experienced the Ventus racing tyre up close in action on the track at the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia, and experienced for themselves the characteristics of Ventus products at the Hankook Technoring. In April, Hankook hosted the Ventus Evo Driving Experience centred around the new Hankook Ventus evo with European participants in the German test centre in Rodgau-Dudenhofen.
Captions:
Picture _02: Participants experienced the brand up close at the Ventus event in Korea.
Picture _03: The wave pattern in the tread pattern made the Hankook Ventus S1 evo unmistakable.
Picture _04: The Ventus evo was unveiled for the first time at the Essen Motor Show 2024.
Picture _05: Hankook is official technology partner of BRABUS.
Picture _06: Hankook is represented in many motorsport series with Ventus racing tyres, including the Lamborghini Super Trofeo.
Picture _07: Participants at the Ventus Driving Experience in Rodgau-Dudenhofen were able to find out about the development of Ventus UHP tyres.
