Hankook Tire European Truck Tire Production in Hungary

Hankook Tire Starts European Truck and Bus Tire Production

Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. is preparing to begin truck and bus tire production in Europe for the first time at its expanded facility in Rácalmás, Hungary. The company presented the first pre-production tire from the new production line at IAA Transportation 2026, marking a key step toward the planned launch. Hankook Tire European Truck Tire Production is scheduled to begin in October 2026, initially covering 22.5-inch tires designed for trucks and buses. The development expands the company’s European manufacturing capability while establishing a dedicated production base for these commercial vehicle tire applications.

EUR 540 Million Expansion Adds More Than 800,000 Units

Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. has invested EUR 540 million in expanding its Rácalmás plant to establish the new truck and bus tire production facility. Once operational, the facility is planned to deliver annual output of more than 800,000 units. The investment therefore adds substantial production capacity within Hungary and supports the company’s move to manufacture truck and bus tires locally in Europe. The production line is being developed as part of the broader plant expansion, with initial manufacturing focused on a defined tire size before additional specifications are introduced as capacity and approvals progress.

22.5-Inch Truck and Bus Tires Lead Initial Production

The initial production phase will focus on 22.5-inch tires for trucks and buses, with manufacturing scheduled to start in October 2026. The first pre-production tire presented at IAA Transportation 2026 provides an early product milestone ahead of the commercial production start. Hankook plans to broaden the product lineup as manufacturing capacity increases and additional specifications receive approval. This phased approach means the new facility will begin with a defined range of commercial vehicle tire products before progressively expanding its available specifications. The development also gives Hankook Tire & Technology Co Ltd a European production platform specifically supporting truck and bus tire applications.

European Manufacturing Footprint Expands

The new facility represents a significant expansion of Hankook’s manufacturing presence in Europe, where the company will begin producing truck and bus tires locally for the first time. The Rácalmás operation combines a major capital investment with planned annual capacity exceeding 800,000 units, while its product scope is designed to expand over time. The timing of the October 2026 production start follows the presentation of the first pre-production tire at IAA Transportation 2026. As capacity grows and further specifications are approved, the company expects the lineup from the facility to cover additional truck and bus tire requirements.

Industry Impact & Outlook

Hankook’s new truck and bus tire line changes the company’s European manufacturing footprint by adding dedicated local production for commercial vehicle tires, while the planned capacity of more than 800,000 units creates room for a broader product range over time. The initial focus on 22.5-inch tires establishes the starting point, with future expansion dependent on increased capacity and approval of additional specifications. For the European commercial vehicle tire market, the development adds another regional manufacturing source and could affect how Hankook serves truck and bus applications as production ramps up. The next significant milestones are the October 2026 start and subsequent lineup expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Hankook begin truck and bus tire production in Europe?
Hankook plans to start truck and bus tire production in Europe in October 2026 at its expanded Rácalmás facility in Hungary. The company will initially manufacture 22.5-inch tires for trucks and buses, while the product range is expected to grow as manufacturing capacity increases and additional specifications receive approval. Hankook has invested EUR 540 million in the plant expansion, which will provide annual production capacity of more than 800,000 units. The first pre-production tire from the new line was presented at IAA Transportation 2026 ahead of the planned production launch.