Dec 2011: BMW Chooses Hankook Ventus Prime² Tyres for BMW 1 Series

German automotive giant BMW has entered into collaboration with Hankook Tyres. BMW will use Hankook’s Ventus Prime² range of premium tyres for original equipment fitment in its BMW 1series. Incidentally, this is the first time Hankook is collaborating with BMW as original equipment supplier.

The Details of the Deal

Company sources revealed that the BMW 1 series models – 116i, 118i, 116d and 118d will incorporate the Ventus Prime² tyres as original fitment. The size specification of the Ventus Prime² supplied for these vehicles is 195/55R16V. The premium model in this line-up - the BMW 120d will also receive the Hankook Ventus Prime², but of a slightly different size - 205/65R16W.

About the Ventus Prime²

The Ventus Prime² is a relatively new product from the Hankook stable, having been introduced in the market in the initial months of 2011. The Ventus Prime² is a technologically upgraded version that replaced its predecessor the ‘Prime’ brand in the market. According to Hankook sources, the technology on the Ventus Prime² has been worked on in such a manner that the product offers superior wet grip and rolling resistance. This greatly improves the safety features and the fuel efficiency associated with the product. Besides, the Ventus Prime² also adheres to various environmental guidelines.

A Feather in the Cap for Hankook

Hankook is visibly excited with the collaboration and rightly regards this business opportunity as a ‘feather in its cap’ that will fuel further global expansion plans. Jin-Wook Choi COO, Hankook , Europe made a point that BMW opting for Hankook Ventus Prime² tyres for important volume driven vehicles in their range is an indication of the positive reputation that Hankook has built in the automotive industry in general and specifically amongst the luxury car manufacturers. He further added that the Ventus Prime² would perfectly meet BMW’s specifications for environment protection, safety considerations, and sporty performance in their cars, without compromising in any way on the fuel efficiency.

The Ventus Prime² Tyres and BMW 1 – An Ideal Combination

According to Stefan Fischer, who heads the Hankook Technology Center in Europe, the new chassis design in the BMW1 is bound to make extra demands on the tyres. He says that the tyres should be able to suitably handle the extra pressure on them and the Ventus Prime² does it very effectively. Because of it unique technology, the Ventus Prime² is able to transfer the engine power generated by the vehicle onto the roads in a dynamic and seamless operation that results in an extremely smooth driving experience. Thus a high level of comfort is guaranteed especially on long distance drives. Mr. Fischer further commented that the BMW1 and Ventus Prime² tyre combination is ideal because the tyres are able to strike a right balance between enhanced driving comfort and handling the agile dynamics of the car resulting from the improved chassis design.

A large number of the Hankook Ventus Prime² tyres are manufactured at the company’s Hungary Plant. However sources revealed that the tyres that would be in use as original fitment for the BMW 1series would be manufactured at the South Korean Plant, which is Hankook’s largest manufacturing unit.