Hankook Tyre Australia Announces National Distribution

MELBOURNE – Jan 20, 2014: Following on from a highly successful 2013, Hankook Tyre Australia has announced it will expand its operations into a national format for tyre distribution, starting June 2014.

Having previously used a number of state-based distributors, Hankook Tyre Australia has recently consolidated these markets, the most recent being Victoria in 2012. The final remaining independent distributor is Koast Tyre, in Western Australia, which will work closely with Hankook Tyre Australia for a seamless transition between now and May 31, when Hankook will assume the final component to national distribution.

As a result, Hankook retailers will deal directly with the manufacturer from June 2014, to establish and reinforce a nationally standardised supply chain and uniform customer service, backed by a strong consumer marketing strategy to drive growth of dealers and the brand.

Hankook Tyre Australia Managing Director Paul Park has said of the announcement: “Our growth and recent sales success has been made possible by our dealers and distributors, such as Koast Tyre, and this has enabled us to make this exciting transition which will herald a new age for Hankook Tyre in Australia.

“Hankook has, in revenue terms, soared from the 11th worldwide ranked tyre maker in 2001, to 7th in 2007 - a position it maintains today. This year alone, Hankook Tire will increase global production from 80 to 100 million tyres.

“Hankook Australia’s goal is to be the number one tyre manufacturer amongst independent dealers. Our dealers are loyal because they understand they have a fantastic product, backed by quality service. Our continued approach of providing this top-level customer service and listening to all feedback is one of the key drivers of our success.

“Competing for market share in a diverse market is challenging, but we have the right strategies – and people – in place to succeed.”

To service its dealers and clients in the interim, Hankook is currently putting in place a Western Australia supply chain solution. Current orders shall continue unchanged through Koast Tyre, however, Hankook is also working on being able to supply direct to selected areas via Koast Tyre.

These operating procedures and logistics are being expedited to ensure both a satisfactory short-term solution, and a seamless transition to national distribution