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Hankook Tire, South Korea's leading tire maker, has been selected as the main supplier for Tesla's recently unveiled Model 3, industry sources said Thursday.
The Model 3 was disclosed in March, creating a global sensation for its snappy designs, extended driving distance on a single charge and affordable prices. In a monthlong period, preorders for the latest model, which will be delivered to customers starting in late 2017 have reached around 400,000 units worldwide.
According to the sources, Tesla had tested samples from global tire makers and chose Hankook Tire as the main supplier for the Model 3. Both signed a deal for that matter recently at Telsa's headquarters in Los Angeles, they added.
Hankook Tire officials declined to comment. Details on the contract terms have yet to be confirmed as well.
Hankook Tire is known for its expertise in producing tires tailored to electric vehicles. It currently supplies tires for the Ioniq EV of Hyundai Motor and the C-Class hybrid of Mercedes-Benz. (Yonhap)
