Hanon Systems eyes aftermarket growth with OE thermal management expertise

Hanon Systems is accelerating its push into the global automotive replacement and repair parts market, leveraging the thermal management technology it has long supplied to automakers. The company plans to expand beyond its original equipment business — supplying parts for new vehicles — to capture aftermarket demand generated after vehicles are sold.

Hanon Systems announced Friday that it launched a dedicated aftermarket page on its official website Aug. 28 and adopted "Driven by OE Expertise" as the slogan for the business.

The aftermarket refers to the market for replacement parts and services needed to maintain or repair vehicles after they have been sold. Hanon Systems intends to apply its experience supplying thermal management products — including air conditioning units, cooling systems, compressors and heat exchangers — to global automakers toward the replacement parts market.

The company has been building toward the aftermarket entry in stages. Hanon Systems participated in AAPEX, a North American automotive aftermarket trade show, last year to gauge local market demand, then established a dedicated global aftermarket unit in January this year. With the launch of the new web page, the company plans to broaden its customer reach to include overseas distributors and dealers.

Its product strategy centers on maximizing the technology accumulated through its existing OE parts business. Hanon Systems identified four core competencies for its aftermarket push: proven technology, thermal management capabilities spanning internal combustion engines through electric vehicles, technology for electrified vehicles, and regional customer support.

The company is also tailoring its approach by region. In North America, where a do-it-yourself vehicle maintenance culture is well established, it will target demand for replacement parts. In the Middle East, where air conditioning and cooling systems see heavy use due to high temperatures, it will focus on selling HVAC and cooling products. In Europe, where electric vehicle adoption is relatively advanced, it will expand through thermal management products for electrified vehicles.

Since joining Hankook & Company Group, Hanon Systems is also moving to capitalize on synergies with group affiliates. The plan combines Hanon Systems' global OE thermal management technology with the overseas retail and dealer network that Hankook Tire & Technology has built through its replacement tire business — giving Hanon Systems the opportunity to tap an existing group network rather than building its own sales channels from the outset.

"Drawing on decades of accumulated expertise and global leadership as a specialist in OE thermal management solutions, we will deliver the most reliable, top-tier solutions in the aftermarket as well," said Lee Su-il, vice chairman and chief executive of Hanon Systems. "Starting with the launch of the dedicated page, we will continue to expand our customer touchpoints and secure new growth engines in the global aftermarket."

Hanon Systems will also participate in Automechanika Frankfurt 2026, held in Frankfurt, Germany, from Sept. 8 to Sept. 12, where it will showcase its aftermarket thermal management products. More than 4,400 companies from over 80 countries are expected to attend this year's event.