■ Supplying ‘Laufenn S FIT2’ as original equipment for the ‘Škoda Octavia’ to support stable driving performance
■ First OE supply to a European automaker, reflecting Hankook Tire’s innovative technology and quality system
■ Enhanced braking, handling, and mileage deliver balanced performance in safety and efficiency

Seoul, Korea, April 17, 2026 — A leading global tire company Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) announced that its associate brand ‘Laufenn’ will supply its second-generation summer performance tire ‘S FIT2’ as original equipment tire (OET) for the ‘Škoda Octavia’.

The Octavia is a key model of Škoda, a Czech automobile brand under the Volkswagen Group, developed on the Group’s modular MQB platform, which drives brand growth with steady demand in the European market. This supply is particularly significant as it marks Laufenn’s first original equipment partnership with a European automaker, signaling its entry into the OE market.

Hankook Tire developed the ‘S FIT2’ in close technical collaboration with Škoda, optimizing the tire to meet the vehicle’s characteristics and required performance. Supplied in a 17-inch size, the ‘S FIT2’ delivers stable driving performance and balanced handling, demonstrating Hankook Tire’s original equipment tire development capabilities through collaboration with automakers.

The ‘S FIT2’ is a second-generation summer performance tire developed in consideration of Europe’s diverse climate and road conditions. It secures stable handling and braking performance based on grip and drainage performance, while achieving balanced improvements in efficiency and mileage compared to the previous model, further enhancing overall performance.

In particular, a high-content silica compound and an optimized tread block design ensure reliable stopping power even on wet roads, reducing braking distances by approximately 16 percent versus the previous generation. In addition, four wide straight grooves further strengthen drainage, enabling superior handling on rain-slicked surfaces.

Furthermore, an optimized structural design allows the tire to maintain stable grip on high-temperature asphalt, while effectively reducing vibration and noise to deliver a quiet, comfortable ride, particularly in urban driving conditions. The adoption of a next-generation polymer compound extends mileage by approximately 15 percent over its predecessor.

Meanwhile, Laufenn is a brand that shares Hankook Tire’s global top-tier technology and rigorous quality system. Since its debut at the SEMA Show in the United States in 2014, the brand has expanded its presence in global markets by offering a full lineup spanning passenger cars, SUVs, and truck and bus tires, reflecting regional driving conditions and customer lifestyles.