On June 16, Hankook Tire and JD Auto Care officially signed a national strategic cooperation agreement. Centered on the premium customized Ventus Prime³ tires, the two parties will build an integrated service system covering direct brand supply, online ordering and offline in-store tire installation, reshaping the traditional multi-tier distribution channel model.
The traditional tire circulation chain follows the route: factory → provincial agent → wholesaler → retail store → vehicle owner. Markups at multiple tiers squeeze profits for both manufacturers and retail outlets. In 2026, the operating rate of domestic semi-steel tire production lines has kept declining, leaving thin profit margins for end retailers. Major tire brands are speeding up the deployment of online direct sales and platform direct supply channels.
Following this cooperation, thousands of JD Auto Care stores nationwide will exclusively carry Hankook’s full line of passenger vehicle tires. Exclusive online discounts, free tire pressure inspections and tire trade-in services will also be launched simultaneously. The brand will gain direct access to end consumers, accurately collect road condition data and user feedback, and feed such insights back to refine product research and development.
