to:wbainbridge@hankooktireusa.com
Bill Bainbridge Director of brand comunication.

Subject :concerned dealer

Dear Mr. Bainbridge.

As a Hankook Dealer, and race tire user. I was eagerly awaiting the release of the R-S3 since the majority of my customers purchase tires from me to be compeditive in autocross and track days... however upon seeing photo's of this tire, I am a bit upset, I personally cannot recommend tires with molded in "flames" and I know a vast majority of my customers will not approve of the mandatory "bling". I know the engineers at Hankook can make a compeditive tire, as I've been competing successfully on Hankooks since the Z211, 214, and now the F200. and I've been "chomping at the bit" for hankook to release a Street tire to compete with the Dunlop Star spec and Falken Azenis, since while a great tire, the Z212 was just a bit slower.. I'm sure there is a market for the flashy tires, but I can honestly say if the same product is made available without, I'll have more success selling them.. now if they could be made using a stickier compound, maybe a r-S3 "competition" version, there is a sure fire winner!

Thanks for your time,
Jeffrey S Lloyd
Owner, First Place Automotive.

FOr those that are not familiar with the issue at hand.



when the rest of the world gets

 

I was expecting something more cheezy from your letter. They remind me of the pattern on the advan A048.

Also, Jeff- I'll put that paypal through tomorrow.

 

I think Jeff left out an image. I saw what he was talking about... he was trying to make a comparison. What the rest of the world gets vs. what WE get.

This is the new RS-3:
http://stylingperformance.search-aut...9/Hankook3.jpg

 

Thanks Loren, yea the first picture is the Z222 R-S3 the second picture is the Z221 TD (TRACK DAY) both are released around the same time. just like all tire companies they are keeping the good stuff off our shores.

 

Ah yes, now I see the 'flame-on' tire. Proceed with indignation...

 

indignation, your going to make me break out my thesaurus aint'cha.

strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base; righteous anger.

yea.. okay, then YEA!

 

ugh. what a horrible joke.

 

wait, they all come with the flames???

i thought that was just a promotional thing for display. if it's only on the surface i'd think it would wear away quite quickly with some spirited driving

 

If they are faster and cheaper than the new bridgestones, I wouldn't care if they had My Little Pony on the tread, I would still buy them.

 

id be more inclined to buy them if they did have my little ponys on them