Hankook Tyre UK is moving into 2026 with a tighter focus on fleet value, local support and supply resilience after a fast, difficult 2025 for the truck tyre market. The company says its priorities are clearer engagement with end users, product updates for urban duty cycles, and progress on European manufacturing that should shorten lead times and stabilise availability.
Operators pushed hard on upfront price in 2025, and retailers widened budget ranges to match that pressure. Hankook acknowledges the reality but argues decisions still hinge on whole-life cost. UK Sales Manager TBR Jon Cottrell said the team spent the year “bringing the TCO conversation back to the depot floor” and showing where running-cost savings offset list price. He described 2025 as “fast and challenging”, but noted growing interest from fleets seeking predictable performance over a full tyre life.
Hankook leaned on live shows to keep close to drivers and operators, using demo vehicles and feedback loops to validate product set-up and casing care. The brand featured at Road Transport Expo and related regional engagements, a programme Tyre News has tracked across the year, including our coverage of RTX show highlights and commercial tyre exhibitors that showcased product ranges and digital service tools.
For stop-start and kerb-heavy routes, Hankook introduced the Smart Work AM11+ in 315/80 R22.5, adding sidewall protection to cut scuff-related removals while maintaining price parity with the outgoing fitment. UK availability began in September 2025, with further sizes under review based on demand from municipal and urban delivery fleets.
Hankook continues to anchor the premium end of its proposition while associate brand Laufenn gives fleets a more cost-conscious entry point. The company is pairing this with 24/7 nationwide breakdown cover, technical support, field training and an advocacy programme that rewards consistent tyre husbandry. The message is that the package, new product where it matters, robust casings, responsive service—does the heavy lifting on cost per kilometre.
A key pillar for 2026 is progress on Hankook’s first European truck and bus tyre plant in Rácalmás, Hungary, next to its passenger-car facility. The site is slated to complete in 2027, with an expected annual output of up to 800,000 TBR units once fully on stream. Hankook says local manufacturing will trim transport miles, improve supply stability and reduce lead times for UK fleets.
Shorter lead times, steadier casing flow and fit-for-duty urban products directly address downtime and service-level penalties in contract logistics and municipal work. Hankook plans additional account resource and more depot-level training to help technicians maximise casing life through timely rotation, regrooving and retread decisions.
Non-exhaust emissions remain under scrutiny in the UK, with evidence reviews informing future guidance on tyre wear and particles. That attention is shaping fleet procurement criteria and supplier R&D. Hankook says its 2026 activity will keep durability and casing circularity in view as fleets set tighter ESG targets aligned to UK guidance.
Hankook’s delivery will be judged on three fronts: measurable TCO gains on mixed-urban routes; consistent national support for fleets scaling up; and visible milestones at the Hungary plant that translate into better UK availability. If those arrive together, the company will strengthen its hand in a price-sensitive market without losing sight of long-term performance.
Tagged with: Hankook UK, truck tyres, fleet tyre management, total cost of ownership, AM11+, urban delivery tyres, European truck tyre plant, Laufenn, casing life, supply chain agility
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