The Auto Writer

Goodyear, Michelin, Firestone/Bridgestone, and Michelin are household names when it comes to tire production, but if South Korea’s Kumho Tires has their way, you’ll be considering this brand the next time you replace your tires. Even then, the company is now winning contracts for OEM work with the Ford Motor Company agreeing to allow the company to supply tires for the Focus beginning with the 2009 model year.

Yes, the Ford Focus is rolling on and Kumho will supply approximately 200,000 of its 215/45R17 Solus KH16 tires for the Focus. Kumho claims that these Ultra High Performance (UHP) tires provide a more stable ride while minimizing road noise. The all-season Solus KH16 has been in the U.S. tire replacement market since 2005 and has a sales volume of over one million units per year.

“This contract is an important step for Kumho Tires; we now have supply contracts with all of the big three automakers in North America,” said Sae-chul Oh, President and CEO of Kumho Tires. “These companies have recognized that Kumho Tires shares their commitment to quality, technology and performance. We will continue to expand our North American presence to become one of the top five global tire manufacturers by 2015.”

Kumho Tires broke ground on a new manufacturing facility in May 2008, an automated production plant in Macon, GA that will have the capacity to produce 2.1 million tires annually. Ford is a new customer for the company, but General Motors, Chrysler, Kia, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Daimler, and Mitsubishi, all contract with Kumho Tires to provide equipment for at least some of their models.

“Kumho Tires is always improving to meet our customers’ needs and expand our global presence,” Oh said. “As environmental issues become more important and oil prices rise, we are bolstering our commitment to design and make durable, efficient products that help to increase fuel efficiency and minimize environmental impact.”

(Source: Kumho Tires)