Kumho Tyres

Origin and Expansion

Kumho Tyre is a multinational tyre manufacturer based in Gwangju, South Korea. Founded in 1960, the brand is a subsidiary of Chinese tyre maker Doublestar. As one of the largest tyre producers, Kumho manufactures tyres for passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs and the commercial segment. With its brand image and production of quality tyres over the years, it has now become one of the preferred choices for OEMs like BMW, Audi, Daimler, Kia, Hyundai, General Motors, Nissan and Volkswagen.

Ever since its first export to Thailand in 1965 of USD 7,700, the company has reached the USD 100 million export milestone in 1980 and USD 500 million export mark in 1993. It is presently exporting tyres worth USD 1.8 billion annually to over 180 countries, assisted by eight subsidiaries and 12 branches/offices.

The tyre brand has an innovative approach towards product development, technical progression and market expansion, and this has extended its reach worldwide. From a small manufacturer producing 20 tyres a day to the 18th largest tyre producer in the world, the journey of Kumho has been quite fascinating. The firm has now several manufacturing plants in Asia, one in North America and several branches worldwide. In 2017, Chinese tyre producer Doublestar bought the majority of stakes in the company, with the deal finalizing in 2018.

The tyre brand has invested heavily in setting up its plants and expanding them to solidify its position. It invested USD 100 million in expanding the capacity of the Vietnam plant in 2013 and then again, pledged to invest USD 300 million in 2021 to double its capacity to 9.3 million tyres annually. It is also planning to expand the capacity of its Georgia plant at an investment of USD 21.8 million. In India, Kumho dropped the plan of setting up a manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu in 2013 at an investment of around Rs 450 crore.

Kumho has been proactive in using technology and making different types of world-class tyres, such as ultra-high-performance tyres, which undergoes stricter F1 technology tests. It has developed run-flat tyre technology in 2003, which is considered Korea’s first successful development in this field. The tyres can run at a speed of up to 80kmph in the absence of air. It has also invented Extreme Technology through which the tyre can run up to the speed of 360kmph, and only two companies in the world have done this before.

Through accumulated research experience, persistence and passion, the company has developed Racing Tyre Technology, which has been incorporated in the highest level F3 tournaments, including ‘BP Ultimate Masters of F3 and F3 Euro Series. It has also developed top-rated tyres based on new materials, light parts, and optimized them with eco-friendly labelling. In 2013, Kumho became the world's first to launch passenger tyres with Radio Frequency Identification RFID.

The brand has been sponsoring various events to increase its exposure in the automotive world. It tied up with Manchester United Football Club in 2007 to become a Platinum Partner and became the official sponsor of Hyundai Avante Cup Motorsport. Kumho has sponsored Tottenham Hotspur and Olympique Lyonnais football clubs in English Premier League, and French Football Leagues in multiple seasons. 

Kumho is gradually becoming part of Australia’s sporting heritage with the tyres supplied to the V8 Touring Car Series, Australian Formula A Championship and Aussie Racing Car. It has also launched its own ‘Ecsta Racing Team’ to create brand awareness. Apart from this, it has been part of European Formula 3 racing, La Liga Spanish Football League as well as declared as an official tyre for the NBA. It has also sponsored Horse Racing in Sweden, Golf in Australia and Taekwondo in the UK.

Facilities

Kumho has placed itself as a global tyre manufacturing company and established several R&D centres across the globe. The research and development centres are focused on producing world-class tyres with constant innovation. The technical centres include the main R&D centre located in Gwangju, South Korea, Kumho Europe Technical Center (KETC) in Frankfurt, Germany, Kumho Akron Technical Center (KATC) in Akron, the U.S.A., and Kumho China Technical Center (KCTC) in China. 

Achievements

• CRUGEN HP71 received the Red Dot Design Award
• Received the IDEA Award
• Won Gold Prize in North American Event Technology Award
• Chosen for the Quality Award at the Renault Group Supplier Awards
• Ranked No.1 in Korea’s Customer Satisfaction Index (KCSI) for 14 consecutive years, passenger car tire category
• Ranked No.1 in Korean Net Promoter Score (KNPS) for five years in a row (Passenger car tyre category)
• Got Good Design Award and iF Design Award in 2018.
• Won IDEA Design Award in 2017.
• ECO SENSE SE11 WATTRUN VS31 won the 2016 Green Good Design Award
• Golden Dragon Award for two consecutive times in 2014-15

Passenger Car Tyres

Kumho has been making inroads in providing quality products for the passenger car segment. From performance, summer to winter and all season, each product has been crafted to provide longevity and excellent fuel efficiency. Some notable tyres include City Venture KL51, Crugen HP71, Crugen HP91, Crugen KL33, Kumho Ecowing KH27, Ecsta KL12, Ecsta PS31, Road Venture AT51, Solus KH17 and Solus KH32, among others.

Truck Tyres

The tyre maker has a strong portfolio in the commercial segment with products ranging from quality budget to value for money and premium tyres. These tyres can be used in applications from Long Haul to Regional Haul and On/Off-Roading. Some of the popular products in the commercial category include KLS12e, KLD11e, KLT12e, KRS50, KRS03, KRD16, KRD50, KRD03, KMA01, KMA12, KMD41 and KMA02, among others.

Manufacturing facilities in India and abroad

The brand has three manufacturing facilities in South Korea namely Pyeongtaek Plant, the Gokseong Plant and the Gwangju Plant, which also includes the Kumho Research and Development centre. Further, there are three plants in China in Tianjin, Gaoxin and Changchun, respectively. There is another facility in Binh Duong Province of Vietnam and one plant in Georgia, the United States. The company produces over 68 million tyres annually.

Kumho Sales Network

The tyre maker owns an extensive distribution network worldwide with leading retail partners and independent dealers. In India, it sells products through several dealers located in Punjab, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.