
Could you briefly introduce yourself, your role, and your company?
I am Jongho Park, President and COO of Hankook Tire Europe. Since December 2024, I have been responsible for Hankook’s operations in Europe, one of our company’s core markets. Hankook is a global premium tyre manufacturer, developing and producing high-performance tyres for passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, trucks, buses and motorsports. In Europe, we combine our headquarters in Neu-Isenburg near Frankfurt, Germany, our Technical Centre in Hanover, and our production site in Rácalmás, Hungary, to deliver tailored tyre solutions for the European market.
What does the IAA TRANSPORTATION slogan “We Deliver” mean to you?
For us, “We Deliver” means reliability, efficiency and responsibility. The transport industry requires the highest level of reliability to keep downtime and unplanned maintenance to an absolute minimum. In transport and logistics, tyres are a crucial interface between vehicle, road, cargo and customer promise. As a tyre manufacturer, we deliver solutions that help fleets operate safely, efficiently and sustainably. At the same time, we are strengthening our European footprint to deliver even closer to our customers – through local expertise, strong service and future-oriented products.
What are your expectations for IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026, and what are you looking forward to the most?
IAA TRANSPORTATION is one of the most important international platforms for the commercial vehicle and logistics industry. We expect exchange with OEM & vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators and logistics companies as well as decision-makers about the future of transport. For Hankook, the event is an important opportunity to show how we support the transformation of transport in Europe.
Which specific topics or innovations will you be showcasing at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026?
At IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026, Hankook will focus on advanced tyre solutions for commercial vehicles. We will present two new products developed for the demanding requirements of modern fleets. Our new winter tyres are engineered for superior control, combining advanced tread technologies to provide confident traction, braking and handling in severe winter conditions. Our new premium regional-haul trailer tyre is designed for extended tyre life and high mileage, maintaining grip and efficiency from the first to the last millimetre of tyre life. In addition, our expanded production capabilities in Hungary will be an important topic. By investing in truck and bus tyre production in Europe, we are strengthening our ability to serve European customers with greater proximity, flexibility and reliability.
In which area of the transport and logistics sector do you see the greatest potential, and where is the most urgent need for improvement?
I see the greatest potential in the intelligent use of data, AI and process automation to make transport more efficient, predictable and sustainable. AI-driven route optimisation can help reduce empty runs and fuel consumption, while predictive maintenance can minimise breakdowns and improve fleet availability. Tyres also play an important role here: through durability, fuel/energy efficiency, retreading and reliable performance in demanding conditions, they make a measurable contribution to efficient fleet operations. One of the most urgent needs for improvement remains decarbonisation – and the challenge is to implement sustainable solutions that are scalable, economically viable and reliable in everyday transport operations.
IAA TRANSPORTATION is the world’s leading platform for commercial vehicles, transport, and logistics, bringing together innovators from every corner of the mobility spectrum. Who are you looking to connect with this coming September, and why?
We are looking forward to connecting with OEM & vehicle manufacturers, fleet partners, logistics companies, and others. The transport sector is changing rapidly, and no single company can shape this transformation alone. Close collaboration across the value chain is essential – from vehicle development and tyre technology to service concepts, data use and circular economy solutions. IAA TRANSPORTATION provides exactly the right environment for this exchange.
The shift toward sustainable solutions in transport and logistics is massive. What is your vision for the industry 10 years from now?
In ten years, I expect transport and logistics to be much more connected, efficient and resource-conscious. Sustainability will no longer be a separate topic, but an integral part of business decisions. At Hankook, we are already reviewing and optimising our processes with sustainability in mind across the entire value chain – from resource-efficient production methods and circular economy concepts to the use of recycled and renewable materials. Our long-term goal is to use only sustainable materials in all tyres by 2050. For the industry, the key will be to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the safety, performance and reliability that transport operations depend on.
Looking back at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, what has been the most significant change within your company or the industry as a whole?
One of the most significant developments for Hankook is the continued strengthening of our European commercial vehicle tyre business. A key milestone is the expansion of our production site in Rácalmás, Hungary, with a new line for truck and bus tyres. This underlines our long-term commitment to Europe and allows us to serve our customers even more closely. For the industry, the biggest change is the growing need to combine sustainability, efficiency and operational reliability in one integrated approach.
In what ways is AI transforming your company?
AI is becoming increasingly important across the tyre industry. At Hankook, it supports research and development, simulation, production processes and quality control. In tyre development, AI-based simulation allows us to evaluate concepts earlier and thus bring new tyres to market faster. At the same time, AI remains an assistance tool: the experience and judgement of our tyre experts continue to be essential for final validation and quality.
If you could leave the industry with just one message at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026, what would it be?
The transformation of transport will only succeed if sustainability, performance and economic efficiency go hand in hand. Fleet operators need solutions that are reliable today and ready for tomorrow. At Hankook, we are committed to supporting this transition with innovative tyre technologies, strong European capabilities and close partnerships across the industry.