Hankook hit higher profits in 2012

THE South Korean tyre maker said it generated higher profits by 57.9% last year compared to only 8.3% in the year earlier, as sales of its high-performance tyres increased more than 30%. Its operating income reached US$812.9 million on revenue of US$6.26 billion for an earnings/sales ratio of nearly 13 %. According to Hankook, demand for both replacement and Original Equipment (OE) as well as brand recognition contributed to its 20% growth in the US last year, generating revenues valued at US$1.2 billion.(RJA)