The first and now one of the world’s largest motorshows, the IAA in Frankfurt (September 17-27, 2015), is the venue chosen by us to launch a range of exciting new products. Most notable among them is the Wattrun, a tyre developed for electric vehicles that is not only 25 percent lighter than existing such products, but exhibits excellent braking on wet roads and a low noise level.

Also on display will be new run-flat tyres with enhanced safety features, and self-sealing-tyres that prevent air leakage in the event of a puncture – the first such product to emanate from a Korean tyre maker. Further evidence of our future-orientated approach to technology is embodied in the concept tyres developed for Ssanyong’s SUV Tivoli concept vehicles – XAV and XLV. Specifically designed for off-road driving, the XAV features a tread pattern modelled on the footprint of the mountain goat and offers excellent traction, reduced noise and optimum driving ability on muddy terrain. The XLV boasts superb wet weather performance and is notably quieter than rival SUV products.

Other products being showcased at this key automotive exhibition are: the ultra-high performance Ecsta HS51 that won this year’s coveted Red Dot Award; the CRUGEN HP91 that’s aimed squarely at the ever-growing SUV/MPV market; the all-season HA31; and winter-orientated Wintercraft Wi31, KW S01 and KWD01.

We will be supporting our product presence with an aggressive advertising campaign comprising bill boards on roads leading to the exhibition centre, as well as ones at the entrances of and within the halls themselves. We are among some 1100 car and automotive parts manufacturers exhibiting at the IAA this year, to which around 1million visitors are expected. Said our European Managing Director of Sales, Cheol-hwan Kim: “The globally renowned IAA serves as a crucial test bed for manufacturers wishing to enter the European market. As a leading Korean tyre maker of global presence, we constantly strive to improve brand recognition for our products in this all-important marketplace.”

Press release distributed on behalf of Kumho by Gordon Bruce Associates Ltd. For further media information and/or hi-res versions of the images below, contact Gordon at gordon.bruce@gordonbruce.com.

The post UNVEILING EV, SEALANT TYRES & MORE AT IAA appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

We have played our part in supporting Motorsports for years and have been a proud sponsor of many of the best drivers to hit the tracks. From China to the US, Australia to the UK, we can be seen as dominating the pole positions and maintaining our position as an industry leader in Motorsports and the tyre industry.

But did you know that Kumho Tyre also put their backing into a multitude of different sports across the world? In a diverse list that comprises of football, skiing, taekwondo, handball, horse racing and golf, Kumho invest in some of the brightest stars and put their name to some of the biggest events in order to encourage and support an incredible sporting world.

We are going to take a look at some of our sponsorships from either end of the world, and you’ll be surprised how many do not involve four wheels!

Horse Racing in Sweden

In recent years, Horse Racing has become a massive industry within Sweden and is now its own entertainment industry that employs thousands around the country. It has even said to be of huge economic importance as it grows bigger every year – and Kumho are now part of this! We are more prone to changing tyres than we are horse shoes, however Kumho is a gold sponsor for Sweden’s massively popular V75 racing series. I guess we are experts in horsepower.

Golf in Australia

Kumho has had strong links to the golf course in Australia for a couple of years and this has recently been updated with a two-year sponsorship deal for the Australian PGA Championship. Kumho are not only supporting Australia’s answers to Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, as we are also keen to support the sport at the grass-roots. Kumho have partnered with the Holden Scramble which is the Australia’s largest and most successful pro-amateur team event. Playing at a Pro-amateur level may seem a bit of a way off for most of us who are more likely to land the ball in the pond than score an albatross; yet Kumho are demonstrating their passion for supporting sport at every level and helping players of all skill-sets reach that next level.

Taekwondo in the UK

Kumho Tyre holds a natural fit with Taekwondo in the UK. Taekwondo is the national sport of South Korea and has seen much success with its British talent – and as an orginally South Korean tyre brand with strong foundations in the UK – Kumho Tyre can relate! London 2012 saw brilliant results for the Taekwondo Team GB; a bronze from Lutalo Muhammad and an unforgetable gold win from the 22 year old Jade Jones from North Wales. The aim now for British Taekwondo is success at Rio 2016.

Basketball in the USA

The NBA is a huge deal in America, with almost 18 million people tuning in to its final in 2014. Whether it’s cheering for the Chicaco Bulls or hoping for a hoop from the New York Knicks, you cannot go far in the USA without getting a taste of its basketball fever. In February 2014, Kumho became the first official tyre partnership. But you need to look beyond the ball and a tyre to understand the real similarities between the expertise basketballing and the art of tyre making. One is all about handling, control, speed and grip and… well so is the other! Check out the super-slick announcement video!

Excellence is not only something that we strive for on the road, but also throughout our continued efforts in promoting and supporting sport. At Kumho Tyre, we aim to continue inspiring generations, maintaining excellence and providing entertainment for millions.

The post Kumho Tyre sponsoring sport across the Globe appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Kumho has made impressive progress since returning to the UK truck tyre market earlier this year, and has now further improved its offering with KXS10 – a versatile new steer tyre suitable for both regional and long distance operations.

Featuring both the snowflake symbol (3PMSF) and M+S marking, it is a genuine all-season product that will provide safe driving in both wet and wintry conditions. The newcomer also offers an extended mileage capability thanks to its notably wide tread and shoulder design, while a special tread compound results in improved handling. Stone ejectors within the groove pattern increase the tyre’s retreading ability.

Taking everything into consideration, KXS10 offers savings of up to 15 percent when compared with its predecessor and, though only initially available in 315/80R22.5 size, will be offered in other fitments shortly.

A corresponding drive axle tyre is also on the horizon.

The post VERSATILE NEW STEER PRODUCT – KXS10 appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Considering the Dutch pairing of Hermen Kobus and Erik de Wild were experiencing the first major event in their new Skoda Fabia R5, a result of 8th overall in the Barum Czech Rally Zlín (August 29/30) was a mighty impressive result. But for a harmless spin on the second day it would in fact have been 7th, as the Skoda was a bare six seconds behind the Peugeot 208 T16 of Craig Breen at the finish!

It was also a great result for Kumho’s new TM02 tarmac rally tyres, about which Hermen was suitably enthusiastic. Thanks to Skoda Motorsport he had been able to pre-test both the car and the tyres on Czech soil:

“This gave us the opportunity to try out the new Kumhos and adapt the setup of the car to suit. I was very happy with them on the event – even though the tarmac temperatures rose as high as 55 degrees, they held up perfectly.”

He thoroughly enjoyed the rally too:

“This is by far the hardest and most impressive rally I have ever driven. The stages had everything – jumps, blind tightening corners, bumpy and worn asphalt, and some very fast sections. You not only need a quick car to win there, but a lot of guts too!”

Commented Kumho Motorsport’s Steve Thompson:

“We were very happy with the performance of our new tarmac tyres and felt Hermen did a great job too. We look forward to seeing what he can achieve with further experience of the Fabia R5 – there could be some surprises ahead.”

The post OUR RALLY TYRES ASSIST KOBUS TO IMPRESSIVE TOP 10 FINISH IN BARUM RALLY appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Over the weekend of 18-20 September Kumho Tyre invited guests from Sweden and the UK to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Masters of Formula3 Event in Zandvoort, Holland.

Dawa Dack and their customers, along with representatives from Barry Shaddick Tyres and Jetyres from the UK, were treated to a weekend of motor racing and organised excursions to Amsterdam as part of the celebrations with Kumho Tyres Head of Sales for Northern Europe, Sungyong Lee in attendance.

The group went to the Heineken Experience and a Canal Tour of the city before enjoying a meal at Staets Restaurant.

The guests were given an extensive behind the scenes view of motorsport activities and garage tours surrounding the Formula 3 cars competing in the event as well as talking to up and coming young driver Arjun Maini, a photoshoot with the Kumho Tyre Grid Girls and the opportunity to take a Grid Walk prior to the start of Sunday’s race.

On track activities saw Antonio Giovinazzi take the honours in the 2015 Kumho Masters of F3 main race with England’s George Russell, who spoke to the guests prior to the race, finishing second with Sergio Camara making up the podium.

Giovinazzi, joins an impressive list of drivers, Paul De Resta, David Coulthard as well as current Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and the 2014 Kumho Masters of F3 Winner Max Verstappen as holders of the prestigious trophy. After the race Antonio addressed the Kumho Tyre guests in their hospitality suite at the Zandvoort Circuit before they departed at the end of an enjoyable event.

The Italian racer, driving for the Jagonya Ayam arm of the Carlin team, won the twenty-five lap race by 8.427s ahead of fellow Carlin driver George Russell after front row starter Markus Pommer stalled his Motopark machine at the start. George Russell put up a great fight throughout.

“I saw George was behind me and I did just the first three laps 100 per cent, and after I saved the tyres for the end of the race,” said Giovinazzi.

“I’m really happy after winning the Pau Grand Prix to also win the Masters, but now I just want to focus on fighting for the European championship – after tomorrow, we will already be working for the Nurburgring.”

Huge congratulations to all the British drivers who all came in the top 10. George Russell, who finished on the 2nd podium spot, Sam MacLeod who took 4th place and also Callum Ilot coming up in 8th which rounded off a great weekend for all.

The post 2015 Masters of Formula 3 at Zandvoort appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

You all know we believe deeply in safe driving and helping where we can so when our partners at R3 Rockingham Skid School develop new content we are always first to share it with everyone.

Well, here’s the latest video showing not only how fun the skid school is but also how it’s a serious topic which can save lives – yours and your passengers namely.

Have a look and then check our http://www.r3rockingham.co.uk/ form more info.

It’s the best click you’ll make today!

The post Latest video to save your life from R3 Rockingham Skid School appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Kumho have been supplying all the tyres for the blue riband Formula 3 Zandvoort Masters since 2002, and was therefore very much in evidence at the 25th running of the event last weekend (September 18-20).

Sunday’s 25 lap grand final fell to the Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, who eventually fought off a determined challenge from fellow Carlin driver George Russell of Britain to take the chequered flag by 8.427 seconds.

Said a delighted Giovinazzi: “I saw George was behind me and I did the first three laps 100 percent, after which I saved my Kumho tyres for the end of the race.”

In becoming the Masters Champion, 21-year-old Giovinazzi follows in the wheel tracks of reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton and other current Grand Prix stars Valtteri Bottas and Nico Hülkenburg; not to mention the senior formula’s youngest ever recruit, Max Verstappen, who won the Masters meeting last year.

Making the most of our long standing role in the event, Kumho invited guests from Sweden and the UK, and Dawa Däck and their customers along with representatives from commercial tyre specialists Barry Shaddick Tyres and Jetyres were treated to a weekend long mix of motorsport and excursions to Amsterdam – with Kumho’s Head of Sales for Northern Europe Sungyong Lee in attendance, the party enjoyed the ‘Heineken Experience’ and a canal tour of the city before dining at Staets Restaurant. While at the circuit, the group was kept busy with garage tours of the competing teams; a face-to-face chat with up-and-coming young Indian driver Arjun Maini; a photoshoot with the Kumho Tyre grid girls; and a grid walk prior to the start of Sunday’s race. The privileged finale to an action packed trip for the Kumho guests was being personally addressed by the race winner in their hospitality suite – a fitting end to a memorable weekend.

The tyre on which the Masters final was run, was the latest version of Kumho’s proven S700 slick, that’s available in 13, 15, 17 and 18 in sizes and hard, medium and soft compounds. The wet weather version, the W700, was also available to the teams throughout the weekend.

-Ends-

Press release distributed on behalf of Kumho by Gordon Bruce Associates Ltd. For further media information and/or hi-res versions of the images below, contact Gordon at gordon.bruce@gordonbruce.com.

The post 25TH ZANDVOORT MASTERS WON BY GIOVINAZZI ON S700 TYRES appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

The eagerly awaited completion of Kumho’s first North American tyre plant is set to occur in the early part of 2016, and underlines the company’s aim of strengthening its position in this key automotive market as well as its overall plans for global expansion.

Kumho has already invested $420 million in the factory, which is sited in Macon, Georgia, close to Atlanta Airport (the busiest in the world) and under 180 miles from the international port of Savannah. Once complete, the massive building will cover 21 acres (the equivalent of 15 football pitches) and produce some 4 million tyres per annum. Around 90 staff are already engaged on site – a figure that’s set to rise to 400 by the time of next year’s launch.

North America already accounts for 20 percent of Kumho’s global tyre sales, and its new plant is intended to focus on UHP products for premium brand vehicles, thereby elevating the brand’s status within the US market. The aim is also to strengthen Kumho’s OEM business in the region and, even before the advent of the new factory, the company has negotiated significant new contracts with the surrounding prestige car makers. Assuming successful sales for Kumho and a continued improvement in the US economy, two further phases are planned for the Macon factory, offering the potential to as much as triple its capacity.

Kumho has already demonstrated its commitment to the North American market, where it can boast a broad distribution network and steady gains in the business of tyre replacement. It has also worked hard on brand awareness and has for many years been involved in sports sponsorship within the region – these days Kumho is an official supporter of the NBA (National Basketball Association) and is a former backer of the LA Lakers and Miami Heat (two of the leading NBA teams); not to mention the New York Jets – a top member of the National Football League.

Founded 55 years ago, Kumho already employs over 10,000 people worldwide and produces in excess of 60 million tyres per annum via plants in China, Vietnam and its native South Korea. Its burgeoning list of OEM customers includes such prestige European brands as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, as well the Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia.

Press release distributed on behalf of Kumho by Gordon Bruce Associates Ltd. For further media information and/or a hi-res version of the image below, contact Gordon at gordon.bruce@gordonbruce.com.

The post CONSTRUCTION OF FIRST US TYRE PLANT NEARS COMPLETION appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

With Wales Rally GB just two weeks away (November 12-15), the PistonHeads and PlayStation®4 backed ProSpeed rally team have been hard at work to prepare for the gruelling event that will mark the end of the 2015 World Rally Championship season.

However, before the team’s Kumho shod Mitsubishi Evo IX rally car underwent a full service in preparation for the rally, the team’s driver, Tony Jardine, was allowed to take the car for one last, very special test drive!

With support from the UK’s most popular weekly motoring magazine, Autocar, the ProSpeed car was brought to the legendary Sweet Lamb complex in Mid Wales to go up against the latest creation from Somerset-based Ariel Motor, who are best known for the super-fast Ariel Atom.

The challenge set by Autocar was straightforward; which would be faster on a short rally stage? The brand new Ariel Nomad, or the Group N rally car that had previously won its class at the 2013 Wales Rally GB?

For the full results of the test, along with in-car video content, keep an eye on autocar.co.uk

Images and story from AutoCar 2015.

The post Mitsubishi Evo IX vs Ariel Nomad – who will win? appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Kumho Tyre has appointed Dirk Rockendorf as Marketing Director for the European market. The 46-year-old marketing and tyre expert has been in charge of Kumho’s European marketing team since November 1, 2015. His future responsibilities include price and product management, communications and PR and the company’s European motorsport and sponsorship activities. The development of the European marketing and communication strategy as well as the co-ordination of the related marketing activities will be among his prime tasks.

Rockendorf previously worked as Head of Marketing for the Middle East and North Africa in the Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbH. As Head of eBusiness he was responsible for the online marketing of all Continental’s replacement passenger car tyre business. Prior to that, he was a consultant for eBusiness and CRM at KPMG Consulting (later Bearingpoint). Increasing the presence of the Kumho brand on the European market will now be the top priority of this graduate in Business Administration and Engineering.

Commenting on the task ahead, Dirk Rockendorf said:

“Kumho Tyre is a brand that delivers best quality at a reasonable price, and one of the central tasks of our marketing team is to fully establish this fact in the minds of the consumers.”

The post Dirk Rockendorf | European Marketing Director appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

On the evening of 12 November 2015, Sky Sports News F1 expert Tony Jardine and World Champion co-driver Gordon Noble rolled over the ceremonial ramp on a blustery Llandudno seafront that indicated the start of Wales Rally GB, the longest and most challenging event on the British rally calendar.

The first special stages of the rally, which will see more than 160 cars travelling flat out through the forests of North and Mid-Wales, begin tomorrow at Hafren, which is also the longest special stage on the rally, before continuing throughout Friday and into the weekend, ending up back at the Service Park in Deeside on Sunday afternoon after the cars have covered more than 1500 kilometres.

On the way, the ProSpeed team’s PlayStation®4 and Lockton MIS Motorsport backed Mitsubishi Evo IX will have to face deep mud and slippery conditions, likely to be only made worse, with Storm Abigail due to batter the North Wales coast at the weekend. The team’s progress through these treacherous conditions will be followed by PistonHeads.com, who will be updating a blog from the team throughout the weekend.

Jardine and Noble are both well aware of the conditions that Wales Rally GB can throw at them, with Jardine taking part in his 22nd Rally GB event, the same number as 1983 World Champion Hannu Mikkola, as well as growing up on the Wirral, just a stone’s throw from the service park in Deeside. Noble meanwhile was a class winner at the rally last year, finishing top of the JWRC class alongside Alastair Fisher.

Speaking just after the start of the rally, Jardine commented:

“I am now very eager to get on with it because I’m feeling a mixture of apprehension and excitement. The weather conditions are playing on my mind as the forecast is far from ideal, but ultimately I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”

Co-driver Gordon Noble added:

“We’re both very keen to get started now; there is a real sense of anticipation from everyone taking part. We’re all looking forward to getting out on the first special stage tomorrow morning, conditions will be tricky for sure, we nearly got blown off the ramp before we could drive down it tonight!”

Ahead of the rally start, media duties were a priority for Jardine and Noble, who were given the opportunity to visit ITV Granada at Media City in Salford to talk about their involvement in Britain’s round of the World Rally Championship as well as speaking at a pre-event rally forum, where the pairing shared the stage with reigning FIA World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier and former World Rally Champion and current FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg. Also in attendance was former British champion Jimmy McRae, father of the late-great Colin McRae to whom the rally is dedicated on the 20th anniversary of his World Championship triumph.
Jardine and Noble will resume Wales Rally GB at around 07:40GMT tomorrow morning, live timing for the team in car 88 is available on www.walesrallygb.com and updates from the team will be available on PistonHeads.com

Story courtesy of : HPSJardine.com

The post JARDINE AND NOBLE BEGIN WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP ADVENTURE appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

For many years a supplier of tyres for the Jeep® Grand Cherokee, and more recently the Fiat Freemont, Kumho has now had its products selected for fitment to another member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) range – the new Jeep Renegade.

As a result, Kumho Crugen Premium KL33 tyres are being delivered in sizes 215/60R17 100V XL and 225/55R18 98H to FCA’s plant at Melfi in the Potenza province of Italy, where the new Renegade is being manufactured. Specially developed for the particular needs of the ever-expanding SUV sector, the Kumho Crugen Premium KL33 provides an impressive degree of comfort at speed, coupled with good handling characteristics and low levels of noise. Balanced traction characteristics are guaranteed in both wet and dry conditions.

Commenting on this latest OE contract for the Korean tyre manufacturer, Frank Gilsdorf, the engineer responsible for the contract at the Frankfurt-based Kumho European Technical Centre said:

“Working in close co-operation with our client FCA, we have adjusted the Crugen Premium KL33 to the specific needs of the new Jeep Renegade. This latest contract from FCA underlines the good level of co-operation that exists between our two companies and the consistently high quality of our tyres.”

 

The post Our Crugen tyres are now fitted to the Jeep Renegade appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Sky Sports News F1 expert Tony Jardine and World Champion co-driver Gordon Noble have successfully finished the most demanding and competitive rally on the UK calendar. The challenging surfaces and conditions were still no match for our 205/65R15 R800 Gravel Rally Tyres!

The PlayStation®4 backed pairing crossed the finish ramp in Deeside in a highly competitive 31st overall and 4th in Group N, a great result for a privateer entry amongst the world’s leading drivers.

Before the final day began, last night the team had to complete two daunting special stages high in the rain-lashed Welsh hills in total darkness, without a doubt the biggest challenge of the rally. With heavy rain and winds strong enough to uproot trees, Jardine and Noble let their combined 55 years of rally experience take over, and they eased the car through the darkness and back to the service park for the overnight halt in 31st position overall.

Reflecting on a difficult night at the wheel, Jardine commented:

“Conditions last night were horrendous; I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Murray Walker always used to say that the rain was coming down in stair rods, but last night it was more like metal poles, our lights wouldn’t even penetrate it. The first half of the first stage last night was very difficult for me with our big light beams bouncing back off the rain, Gordon switched two of them off and it got better. The final stage yesterday was even worse, it was like a narrow stone quarry between the trees with mist being a big issue. The surface was treacherous but you also had to watch the high winds as we were being blown all over the place. But it was a real adventure!”

With the stormy weather continuing throughout the night, the team decided to take the canopies and awnings down before they blew away. The four stages on the final day proved to be a sting in the tail of Wales Rally GB, with the weary team, who had been hoping for better weather instead faced more extreme conditions.

The majestic Great Orme stage provided a particular challenge, the only tarmac stage on the rally might not have been covered in mud like the forest stages of Wales Rally GB, but the exposed headland meant that the gale force winds were even stronger than the team had previously encountered. Conditions were so severe that the stage had to be closed to spectators. To compound difficulties further, the crew had no intercom during the first 700 metres of the stage, and encountered an issue with the car’s exhaust manifold system.

The final stage, Brenig, was a rough rock-strewn course scarred by deep ruts as heavy rain and mist continued. The crew had to turn off the car’s anti-lag boost system to help the ailing manifold which caused a big loss of performance. Fortunately the Raymond Mason-built and ProSpeed-run car had built up enough of a gap over the cars behind that it was able to cross the line and hold onto an impressive 31st position overall and 4th in class.

Speaking about the final day of the rally, Gordon Noble commented:

“This whole rally has been hugely difficult and today was no different. We had some problems on the road this morning because the surface was so rocky, along with a lot of deep standing water and slippery surfaces. We also had a problem with the exhaust this afternoon which was pretty unnerving, we’d come too far to retire from the rally at that stage.

Thankfully, with the conditions as difficult as they are, the car has held up extremely well. Raymond Mason has put together such a dependable car and it removed a lot of dramas and allowed us to get a really satisfying result.

Tony has driven exceptionally well, he’s got a racing background and to come to a rally where conditions vary so much and adapt so quickly is great. I had to encourage him a few times to go a bit faster, but we always had to be very wary of all the potential pitfalls. I think he’s in a great position to come back to this rally or another major rally and produce an excellent result.”

Reaching the finish line on his 22nd Rally GB event means Tony Jardine now ranks as one of the most experienced drivers to compete in Britain’s round of the World Rally Championship, drawing him level with 1983 World Rally Champion Hannu Mikkola and just four events off the legendary Stig Blomqvist.

Speaking of the team’s success on a difficult weekend, Jardine commented:

“First of all, it was an absolute coup to get Gordon Noble in the car with me. A lot of the big teams wanted to steal him because he’s a co-driver king. And it isn’t hard to see why when you witness him in action first hand. His knowledge and insight as well as his energy and enthusiasm are utterly fantastic. I’ve learned to be a better driver with him, I’ll always be grateful to Wales Rally GB and to Gordon for what I’ve been able to accomplish here.

I’d also like to thank PistonHeads.com, who have followed our adventure at Wales Rally GB, Kumho Tyre for once again providing us with wonderful gear and Lockton MIS Motorsport for their constant support. We couldn’t do it without them.”

The post Jardine and Noble prevail over wet and windy Wales Rally GB appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

It’s got to that point in the new year when you look back and think – “Wow, where did 2015 go?” It might seem like it has come around too soon, but 2016 looks like it will be an exciting year for tyres. We’ve had a look at some of the best tyre concepts and ideas that are set to change how we drive in the future. Some we might be seeing in 2016, others are that bit more futuristic!

Weed tyres
Tyres… made of weeds? Dandelions could hold the future to tyre materials. We’re not joking, dandelions are being researched as a sustainable material choice and in the future you could be driving around on tyres made from your garden pickings. If your garden’s full of weeds between the slabbing, who knows, maybe you’ve got yourself a full set of four in there!

Electro-Magnetic Tyres
Be prepared for some clever sounding words here… We’ve created an eco-friendly racing car concept using an innovative material called Electro-Active-Polymer. The ‘Epoch’ will be the green Le Mans racing car of the future. The tyres are responsive to electric current, with wheel hubs and rims that contain magnets and an electro magnetic field will alter the tread and shape of the tyres to ensure maximum performance in all driving conditions.

Soybean tyres
Using soybean in a tyre could form a better bond with the silica that is used to make tyres. And before you ask, no Baked Beans will not do the job as well or inflate the tyres “magically”!

Tyres that fix themselves
We announced the launch of self-sealing tyres into the Korean domestic market products at the start of last year; and the‘K-Seal’ technology has already been introduced into the Kumho Majesty Solus range. It offers some protection against punctures of up to five millimetres in diameter. Watch this space for more. Your tyres may soon be able to save themselves from those pesky punctures.

Chip tyres
Weed tyres… Bean tyres… And now Chip tyres? Seriously? A potato tyre? No, fortunately we’re not on about that kind of chip. R&D is looking into inserting an electronic chip into tyres so they can communicate with the car and advise of issues, tread depth remaining, etc. Talking tyres? Sounds like something The Hoff would appreciate on Kitt!

All weather tyre
And finally, The Kumho Maxplo, otherwise known as the “ultimate all-weather product.” Our concept tyre features tread blocks that adjust to suit all weather conditions from dry to snow-covered roads – in the wet, a clever combination of circumferential and three-dimensional grooves effectively pumps water from the contact patch. In typically slippery on/off road conditions the tread broadens to optimise traction and braking power, while spikes are unveiled to deal with the dangers of snow and ice. Who needs weeds when you have spikes?

The post What’s next in the evolution of the tyre? appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

• The focus of the company’s stand comprised two of its latest UHP offerings  – the Ecsta PS91 and Ecsta V720
• The environmentally-friendly Sense SE11 was also in evidence

Lutterworth, UK – January 27, 2016. Kumho enjoyed a strong presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2016 (January 15-17), one of the world’s foremost exhibitions for modified and tuned cars. Visitors were able to judge for themselves the motorsport-derived technology of the company’s latest UHP products. In pole position on the stand were the Kumho Ecsta PS91, a product aimed squarely at the high-performance sports and supercar market, and the semi-slick Ecsta V720 on which the exciting new Dodge Viper ACR is now rolling off the production line. Kumho’s presence at such premier shows for modified and tuned cars serves to emphasise its longstanding expertise in the UHP tyre segment.

A further highlight of the Korean manufacturer’s display of quality products was the new-to-Japan Sense SE11, an environmentally-friendly fuel-efficient product for passenger cars.

This was the eighth consecutive year that Kumho, the exclusive supplier of tyres to the Zandvoort Masters of F3 meeting for no less than 14 years, has participated at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The company’s next such pitstop will be at Reifen, Essen, May 24-27 – the world’s largest tyre fair bar none.

About the Tokyo Auto Salon:

This Japanese show vies with SEMA in the United States and Europe’s Essen Motor Show for pre-eminence among the exhibitions for modified and tuned cars, and is held annually at the Makuhari Messe, Tokyo.

The post KUMHO SHOWCASES ITS MOTORSPORT-INSPIRED UHP TYRE TECHNOLOGY AT TOKYO AUTO SALON 2016 appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Seoul, South Korea – February 2, 2016. Kumho Tire has appointed 61-year-old Han-Seob Lee to be its new CEO – he will head up the Korean tyre manufacturer‘s global business with immediate effect.

During his early career at Kumho Tire, Lee held various positions within its European operation and is regarded by the industry as an expert in the European tyre market. His initial role on moving to the area in the late 1980s was that of Operations Manager in the UK. Following this successful beginning, he became General Manager for the Italian market, based in Kumho’s Milan Office. Lee then held several positions within the company’s Korean headquarters before returning to Europe in 2005 as President of Kumho Tire Europe. For his most recent post he once again returned to South Korea, where he was responsible for Kumho’s global sales activities under the title of Chief Sales Officer.

In his new appointment, Han-Seob Lee succeeds Chang-Kyu Kim.

The post Kumho Tire appoints Han-Seob Lee as new CEO appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Both the Kumho Ecsta HS81 and Kumho Solus HA31 are honoured this time around in the 2016 iF Design Awards.

Leading tyre supplier Kumho, has received two 2016 iF Design Awards in the ‘transport device’ discipline – they were accorded to the Kumho Ecsta HS81 and the Kumho Solus HA31. The prestigious annual iF accolade is organised by the International Forum Design of Germany and, along with the Red Dot Design Award and IDEA Design Award, the iF one is generally regarded as one of the world’s top three design prizes.

Optimised for premium luxury passenger cars, the Kumho Ecsta HS81, which has primarily been developed for the Asian market, features: low noise and low rolling resistance as well high levels of wet grip and ride comfort. The tyre’s pattern technology achieves the low noise level by minimising friction energy, while a reinforced tread pattern optimises the degree of block distortion during braking, thus significantly enhancing driving safety.

“The receipt of the iF Design Award is yet more global recognition of the excellence and innovativeness of our designs. As tyre design is closely linked to performance, we will continue striving to enhance our related capabilities in order to develop products that set us apart from our competitors.”

Taek-Gyun Jeong, Senior Managing Director at Kumho Tire R&D headquarter in Korea

 

The Kumho Solus HA31 features sidewall icons depicting the sun, snow and cloud in
recognition of the tyre’s all-weather performance, plus a directional pattern for improved
driving performance. Its design excellence was previously recognised when it received the Korea Good Design Award in 2015. The Solus HA31 is Kumho’s latest all-season solution for the European market.

The post Kumho receives two 2016 iF Design Awards appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Garry Jennings achieved a memorable overall victory on last weekend’s Corrib Oil Galway International Rally (February 5-7), using his Kumho-shod Subaru Impreza to beat three-times British Rally Champion Keith Cronin’s Citroën DS3 into second place by almost 3.5 minutes.

This was a notably sweet result for 2013 Irish Rally Champion Jennings, who had never won the event before, despite many years of trying. And though on this occasion he led from start to finish there were still concerns throughout, with many competitors crashing out as a result of the challenging conditions and worries over the Subaru’s wipers and central differential; the latter was of particular concern and something the team were understandably keen to keep secret from their fellow competitors.

Jennings in full flight on the Galway International Rally

Jennings was once again partnered by Letterkenny-based Rory Kennedy, who is these days the most successful co-driver in the history of the Irish Tarmac Championship.

Commenting on the result, Kumho Motorsport’s Steve Thompson remarked: “This was a typically dominant drive by long-standing Kumho ambassador Garry and we are delighted to have contributed to his maiden win in this ever-popular event. The conditions were typically tricky and it was rewarding to see our tyres stealing a march on the products of rival manufacturers.”

The next round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is the West Cork Rally on March 12/13.

For further information on Kumho and its products for rally stage, race
track and road use – click here

The post JENNINGS POWERS HIS KUMHO-SHOD SUBARU TO MEMORABLE VICTORY IN THE GALWAY INTERNATIONAL RALLY appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

We love a challenge at Kumho Tyre, but the extra slippery conditions of the winter stages at Brands Hatch has to be up there as one of the toughest tests of our mettle. Luckily, with the serious talent of Jesse Crosse behind the wheel, our tyres were on hand to help out both driver and his Ford Escort RS MK2 finish with a good time. Check out some extracts from Crosse’s blog below:

…Main topic of conversation among the Escort boys was tyre choice. The rain started early so most opted for full wets (my only option other than slicks), while some were braving intermediates. My Kumho Ecsta TW02 full wets have got a nice wide blocks and plenty of grooves to get the water away. Like most wets, they’re made from the softest compound which in this case is Kumho’s K12.

The post Ecsta TW02 Full Wets help Crosse take on Brands Hatch appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.

Kumho, already the tyre manufacturer of choice for many rally teams, has been appointed a key partner and official tyre supplier to Britain’s premier rallying series, the MSA British Rally Championship (BRC).

The company has developed new products especially for the 2016 season and joins rival tyre suppliers Michelin, Pirelli and DMACK in what will be a fierce four-way battle throughout the seven gravel and tarmac rounds of the series, during which everything from the notoriously slippery asphalt of Ireland to the infamous gravel of the Kielder forests will be encountered.

Said Kumho Motorsport’s Steve Thompson: “We are absolutely delighted to be involved in the new-look BRC. We have always held the championship in high regard and to compete at the pinnacle of British rallying is very important to us.

“The opportunity to go toe-to-toe with other tyre manufacturers is what especially appeals to us. We cater for a lot of different single-tyre series, meaning we always win and always finish last! Competing against other top brands accelerates development of our products, adds significance to our success and gives us something we can really shout about.”

BRC Championship Manager Iain Campbell added: “Kumho coming on-board is great news for the series and to now have four tyre suppliers is brilliant, as it will not only give competitors plenty of options but add another dynamic to the action on the stages. Perhaps some tyres will be better suited to the tarmac while others will shine on the gravel. Whatever, it will add further interest to an already exciting season.”

The first round of the championship is the Mid Wales Stages event this coming weekend (March 5/6), for which 54 crews from 11 nations are entered. Kumho is looking to run several competitors throughout the season and those wishing to discuss Kumho options for 2016 should contact Steve Thompson without delay on 01455 200050 or via steve.thompson@kumhomotorsport.com.

The post KUMHO APPOINTED KEY PARTNER & OFFICIAL TYRE SUPPLIER TO THE MSA BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP appeared first on Kumho Tyre UK.