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Evolution of Tyres
As the tyre has evolved over the last 100 years, advances have been made in parallel with the
development of automobiles. Since our beginning, Hankook has contributed to tyre innovation
and enhanced true driving emotion while putting emphasis on becoming one with the environment.
Design
Innovation
Solid Rubber Solution
​
Composed of only firm rubber without
the need for air, the solid rubber tyre is used mostly for slow-speed vehicles because of
its poor shock absorption ability.
Ventus S1 evo2
1888
The Beginning of Tyre History
Gasoline Cars
and the Pneumatic Tyre
In 1888, Benz invented the first gasoline car,
equipped with unique metal tyres covered with rubber and filled with air, resulting in the pneumatic tyre. The public, which was accustomed to hard, metal tyres, believed the pneumatic tyre to be no less than revolutionary. Popular use of the pneumatic tyre began in 1895 and it was featured in an automobile race from Paris to Bordeaux.
1905
Tread Tyre
The tread is the part of the tyre that comes in direct contact with the road surface. Made out of thick rubber, the tread protects the carcass and breaker inside the tyre. Road surface friction levels increased with the development of the tread tyre, and today it is produced in a variety of patterns.
1920
The Development of Tyre Materials
Popularisation of
Automobiles and
the Industrialisation
of Synthetic Rubber
In late 1913, Henry Ford introduced the first
conveyor belt assembly line to the world, marking the start of the first stage of automobile popularisation.
In 1931, the American company Du Pont successfully industrialised synthetic rubber.
This development allowed the tyre industry, which had been dependent on natural rubber, to increase tyre quantity and quality,
ushering in a turning point in tyre production.
1923
Balloon Tyre
A type of low-pressure tyre, the balloon tyre is used in various types of automobiles
to increase the area of road surface contact with its low internal air pressure.
1940
Tyre Structure Development
Structural Development of
Automobiles and Tyres
to Save Fuel
In order to relieve the burden of sky-high oil prices brought on by the oil shock, it became popular to reduce the size and weight of existing car models. Many manufacturers eventually employed the front-wheel drive method for their cars. With the development of the tubeless tyres in 1903, the resulting weight reduction contributed significantly to the saving of fuel.
1947
Tubeless Tyre
1949
Radial Tyre
First invented in the 1950s, the radial tyre refers to a type of tyre in which the cords are slightly slanted according to driving direction. Because of low road surface resistance levels, this is conducive to fuel saving.
The radial tyre also offers good drivability for high-speed travel because of its excellent adhesiveness to the road.
1970
Increased Tyre Safety
The Second Stage of Automobile
Popularisation and Safety
After World War II, automobile production increased in accordance with the rapid development of auto technology, giving rise to the second stage of automobile popularisation. Developed in 1979, the run-flat tyre can be used at speeds up to 80 kmp/h without needingto change tyres even in the event of a flat.
1980
Run-Flat Tyre
Even with scratches or holes caused due to obstacles or tyre abrasion while driving, and the resulting decrease in air pressure, the run-flat tyre is able to maintain a constant driving speed. It protects the driver from various accidents that can arise in emergency situations.
Increased Tyre Performance
Increased Tyre Performance due to Development of the UHP Tyre
With the transformation of the automobile from an effective method of transportation into a symbol of personal financial power and freedom, people became increasingly interested in driving performance.
Driving performance increased with the development of the UHP (Ultra High Performance) tyre, which boasts superior cornering, drivability and braking, in accordance with the development of tyre technology.
UHP Tyre
Born through tyre technology development, the UHP tyre boasts a rim diameter equal to or greater than 16 inches, a flatness ratio equal to or less than 55, and a V speed rating (highest speed of 240 kmph). It has reinforced braking ability, high-speed travel and cornering performance.
2000
Tyres and the Environment
The Development of
the Eco Tuning Tyre
With increasing interest in environmental conservation, a variety of eco-friendly cars like the hydrogen car and electric car are being developed. Accordingly, tyres that increase fuel saving and thus help protect the environment are also in development.
2012
Increased Tyre Performance
Increased Tyre Performance due to Development of the UHP Tyre
With the transformation of the automobile from an effective method of transportation into a symbol of personal financial power and freedom, people became increasingly interested in driving performance.
Driving performance increased with the development of the UHP (Ultra High Performance) tyre, which boasts superior cornering, drivability and braking, in accordance with the development of tyre technology.
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