Laufenn tires are made by Hankook Tire and Technology, the same South Korean company behind the flagship Hankook brand.
Laufenn is known as a budget friendly line that leans on Hankook engineering while keeping prices below Hankook’s own premium tires.
Hankook launched Laufenn in 2014 as a second global brand, and the company still designs, tests, and manufactures every Laufenn tire itself.
Knowing that Laufenn shares Hankook’s engineering resources helps explain why the brand performs well above what its price point might suggest.
This guide covers who owns Laufenn, where the tires are manufactured, the brand’s history, and how Laufenn compares to Nexen in the value tire segment.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Laufenn tires are made by Hankook Tire and Technology Co., Ltd. Hankook launched Laufenn as a global strategic brand in 2014 to serve budget conscious drivers, and the tires are manufactured at Hankook owned factories, including plants in Indonesia and South Korea.
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Who Makes Laufenn Tires and Who Owns the Brand?
Laufenn is owned and manufactured by Hankook Tire and Technology, with current lineups listed on the Laufenn USA official website.
Hankook first presented Laufenn at the SEMA show in Las Vegas in 2014 before launching it across Europe and other global markets.
Laufenn is positioned as a value alternative to Hankook’s own premium lineup, aimed at drivers who still want Korean engineering standards.
Because Hankook controls Laufenn directly, there is no separate manufacturing partner or licensing arrangement involved.
Where Are Laufenn Tires Manufactured?
Many Laufenn tires sold internationally are produced at Hankook’s factory in Bekasi, Indonesia.
Laufenn tires sold in South Korea are produced locally at Hankook’s Daejeon and Geumsan plants, according to Wikipedia’s Hankook entry.
Because Laufenn shares Hankook’s factories and quality control systems, it benefits from the same testing standards used on the flagship brand.
This shared manufacturing setup is a key reason Laufenn can offer Hankook level engineering at a lower shelf price.
What Is the History of the Laufenn Brand?
Hankook announced Laufenn as its second global brand in November 2014, more than seventy years after Hankook itself was founded.
The brand expanded quickly, reaching more than 80 countries within its first several years on the market.
Laufenn later became an official partner of the UEFA Europa League, boosting its visibility across European markets.
In 2022, Hankook brought Laufenn home to South Korea, offering the brand domestically for the first time.
How Does Laufenn Compare to Nexen Tires?
Laufenn and Nexen both compete in the value segment with tires backed by South Korean engineering.
Laufenn has a distinct advantage in shared research, since it draws directly on Hankook’s much larger development budget.
Nexen operates as its own independent company, giving it a separate identity and product philosophy from any larger parent brand.
Drivers who want budget pricing tied to a major manufacturer’s engineering often lean toward Laufenn, while those who want an independent Korean brand consider Nexen.
Are Laufenn Tires a Good Value?
Laufenn tires are generally seen as strong value picks, with many drivers reporting up to 60,000 miles of tread life.
Select Laufenn models carry tread life warranties as high as 65,000 miles, which is competitive for the price tier.
Wet and dry performance is generally rated well, though standard all season models can struggle in heavy snow.
For drivers in milder climates who want Hankook backed engineering at a lower price, Laufenn is a solid option.
Where Can You Buy Laufenn Tires?
Laufenn tires are sold through major retailers including Discount Tire, along with independent tire shops.
The Laufenn USA website includes a store locator to help find authorized sellers.
Online tire retailers also carry Laufenn’s full lineup with delivery to a local installer.
Shoppers comparing Korean value brands may also want to read Who Makes Nexen Tires and Who Makes General Tires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laufenn Tires
Is Laufenn owned by Hankook?
Yes, Laufenn has been owned and manufactured by Hankook Tire and Technology since the brand launched in 2014.
Where are Laufenn tires manufactured?
Laufenn tires are made at Hankook owned factories, including plants in Bekasi, Indonesia, and Daejeon and Geumsan in South Korea.
Is Laufenn a Chinese brand?
No, Laufenn is a South Korean brand owned by Hankook, headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea.
Are Laufenn tires good?
Yes, Laufenn tires generally perform well for the price, thanks to shared engineering with the larger Hankook brand.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.