HKS Global
HKS Co., Ltd. (HKS Global) is a Japanese automotive performance parts manufacturer founded in 1973, producing turbochargers, superchargers, suspension, exhaust systems, and engine control electronics for aftermarket enthusiasts, racing teams, commercial fleets, and OEMs across global markets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1973
- HeadquartersFujinomiya, Japan
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
HKS Global firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- HKS Global
- Legal name
- 株式会社エッチ・ケー・エス
- Website
- https://hks-global.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1973
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- HKS Co., Ltd. (HKS Global) is a Japanese automotive performance parts manufacturer founded in 1973, producing turbochargers, superchargers, suspension, exhaust systems, and engine control electronics for aftermarket enthusiasts, racing teams, commercial fleets, and OEMs across global markets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
HKS Global industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Performance Parts
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (3363), Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing (33633), Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing (33632)
- SIC
- Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aftermarket Performance & Tuning Products Manufacturing (Intakes/Turbos/ECU Tuners/Superchargers) (IMACANAN)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Automotive Infotainment, Telematics & Connectivity Hardware Manufacturing (TCU/V2X/GNSS) (IMACAJAH), Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension Components Manufacturing (IMACAOAH)
Keywords
Where HKS Global is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fujinomiya
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices5 records
Markets served
HKS Global business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Aftermarket Automotive Parts: HKS generates revenue through direct sales of performance parts including turbochargers, superchargers, suspension systems, exhaust systems, and engine management electronics to automotive enthusiasts and racing teams through dealer networks and retail stores.
- OEM and Contract Manufacturing: HKS provides original equipment manufacturing and machining contract services to automotive manufacturers, including engine development and production for commercial vehicles.
- CNG/Bi-Fuel Engine Systems: Sale of compressed natural gas engines and conversion systems for commercial trucks and fleet vehicles.
- IoT and Connected Services: HKS Connected services providing vehicle connectivity, fleet management, and safety monitoring solutions for commercial and government customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | Automotive performance parts and complete systems - pricing varies by application and specification |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
HKS Global product offering
Product offeringCore offering
HKS designs, manufactures, and sells automotive performance parts including turbochargers, superchargers, suspension systems, exhaust mufflers, and engine control electronics for the aftermarket and motorsport segments. The company also produces CNG and bi-fuel engines for commercial vehicles, IoT/fleet-management telematics devices, a certified school-bus safety monitoring system, and a light sport aircraft engine, distributing globally through its own subsidiaries and authorized dealers.
Product overview
HKS Global operates as a comprehensive tuning parts manufacturer offering multiple product lines: performance engine components (GT Superchargers, GT Turbochargers), suspension systems (HIPERMAX series), exhaust systems (Hi-Power mufflers), and engine control electronics (F-CON). The company has expanded into IoT and connected services with the HBAS series for vehicle telematics, safety monitoring devices (MAMORU), and fleet management solutions (DMR). Environmental technology divisions include large CNG engines and Bi-Fuel conversion systems for natural gas/LP gas vehicles. Additional business segments encompass light sport aircraft engines (HKS 700E Engine), COVID-19 prevention IoT devices (Stronghold), and physical retail outlets through HKS GATE satellite shop network. The company serves automotive aftermarket, OEM, gas engine, IoT, and light sports aircraft markets.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- GT Supercharger
Quantifiable outcome
- CNG engines achieve approximately 15-20% CO2 reduction compared to conventional petroleum-fueled vehicles
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use HKS Global
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
HKS Global technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
HKS Global partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered moderate, core and minor.
- Caterham (UK)moderateHKS providing development support for Caterham's Project V electric sports car. HKS contributing engineering expertise for EV development.
- NISSEI CorporationcorePartnership for developing and manufacturing parts for classic/old cars (クラシックカー/旧車). Activities include participation at Nostalgic 2 Days motor show with JCCA championship-winning vehicles and development of engine and drivetrain parts.
- Defi (Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.)moderateFirst collaboration between two major Japanese automotive aftermarket brands. Joint development of limited collaboration products including gauge models, with new projects announced at Tokyo Auto Salon.
- Studie AGmoderatePartnership to launch new brand for BMW aftermarket segment. Combined expertise of HKS turbocharger/performance technology with Studie AG's BMW market presence.
- Kanagawa Institute of TechnologyminorAgreement for collaborative activities focused on 'enjoyable car creation for the future' (未来に向けた楽しむためのクルマ創り).
- Taiwan XING MobilitycoreStrategic collaboration for EV business development, including exchangeable battery packs and battery劣化診断 (degradation diagnostic) technology for electric vehicles.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves16 records
Expansion highlights7 records
HKS Global competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bilstein: Premium performance suspension manufacturer (part of thyssenkrupp). Directly comparable to HKS's HIPERMAX suspension line in target customer (enthusiasts, tuners) and product category (high-performance dampers).
- Akrapovič: Slovenian premium performance exhaust manufacturer with strong motorsport credentials. Directly comparable to HKS Hi-Power muffler line in product category, premium positioning and enthusiast/tuner customer base.
- COBB Tuning: Aftermarket performance specialist offering engine management tunes, intakes and accessports. Closely comparable to HKS's F-CON engine management franchise in ECU tuning and import-car enthusiast segment.
- APR (Automotive Performance & Remapping): Specialist in ECU tuning and performance hardware for VAG and other platforms. Comparable to HKS F-CON and turbo-upgrade business in offering integrated tuning solutions for enthusiast and racing customers.
- Magnaflow: Major U.S. aftermarket exhaust manufacturer serving performance enthusiasts. Comparable product line (cat-back and axle-back exhausts) and similar distribution through dealers and installers.
- KW Automotive: Specialist in aftermarket coilovers and performance suspension (KW, ST, Bilstein B14/B16). Closely comparable to HKS HIPERMAX in product, customer base and motorsport-led go-to-market.
- AEM Performance Electronics: Aftermarket performance electronics and induction manufacturer. Comparable to HKS in engine management (F-CON) and performance intake/electronics offerings for tuners and racing teams.
- Borla Performance Industries: U.S. aftermarket performance exhaust manufacturer. Comparable to HKS's Hi-Power muffler franchise, competing for similar tuner and OEM-adjacent customers in the import/domestic performance space.
Broad incumbents
- Garrett Motion: Leading independent turbocharger manufacturer serving OEMs and the performance aftermarket. Most direct competitor to HKS's GT turbocharger franchise, with much larger scale and OEM focus.
- BorgWarner: Global Tier-1 supplier of turbochargers, drivetrain and emissions systems. Comparable to HKS through its turbocharger business but vastly larger and more diversified across ICE and electrified powertrains.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
HKS Global social profiles
Digital presenceHKS Global compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
HKS Global financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
HKS Global leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
HKS Global subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
HKS Global funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
HKS Global M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about HKS Global
What does HKS Global do?
HKS designs, manufactures, and sells automotive performance parts including turbochargers, superchargers, suspension systems, exhaust mufflers, and engine control electronics for the aftermarket and motorsport segments. The company also produces CNG and bi-fuel engines for commercial vehicles, IoT/fleet-management telematics devices, a certified school-bus safety monitoring system, and a light sport aircraft engine, distributing globally through its own subsidiaries and authorized dealers.
Is HKS Global a public or private company?
HKS Global is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was HKS Global founded?
HKS Global was founded in 1973. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is HKS Global based?
HKS Global is headquartered in Fujinomiya, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does HKS Global make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Aftermarket Automotive Parts are the primary driver. The others are OEM and Contract Manufacturing, CNG/Bi-Fuel Engine Systems and ioT and Connected Services.
Who are HKS Global's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bilstein, Akrapovič, COBB Tuning, APR (Automotive Performance & Remapping), Magnaflow, KW Automotive, AEM Performance Electronics and Borla Performance Industries. Broad incumbents are Garrett Motion and BorgWarner.
Does HKS Global have an API?
No public API is recorded for HKS Global.
What industry is HKS Global in?
HKS Global's product category is Automotive Performance Parts. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACANAN, Aftermarket Performance & Tuning Products Manufacturing (Intakes/Turbos/ECU Tuners/Superchargers), with a secondary code of IMACAJAH, Automotive Infotainment, Telematics & Connectivity Hardware Manufacturing (TCU/V2X/GNSS). Its NAICS code is 3363 and its SIC code is 3714.