Hankook Tire signed a second memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ARLANXEO, one of the world’s largest synthetic rubber producers, to co-develop synthetic rubber technologies for high-performance tires. Under this agreement, the two companies will jointly study the development of new high-performance synthetic rubber grades and applications, which will increase the performance of tires from early stages of product development.

Partnership between Hankook Tire and ARLANXEO, a joint venture of LANXESS and Saudi Aramco, started in 2008, with the supply of raw materials such as solution styrene butadiene rubber (S-SBR) and neodymium performance butadiene rubber (Nd-PBR). In 2014, the first MOU was signed to expand and collaborate on the development of core synthetic rubber solutions for high-performance tires.

This form of technical partnership represents Hankook Tire’s continued R&D efforts. Coupled with the company’s continuous investment in Hankook Technodome, a state-of-the-art research and development center located in Korea, this additional R&D effort is expected to accelerate Hankook Tire’s pursuit to further advance its technological prowess beyond competition.

Hyung Nam Kim, chief technology officer of Hankook Tire, said, “Continuous R&D efforts and investments were made to further solidify Hankook Tire’s position as a global top tier company. The strong relationship with ARLANXEO has been great, and will continue to result in great technological advancement between the two companies.”

Jorge Nogueira, ARLANXEO CEO, added, “This new agreement strengthens our long-standing trustful cooperation with Hankook Tire. As before, we will continue to assist Hankook Tire as a reliable partner to develop its market position as key global tire maker with innovative high-quality products.”