Update: Kumho to Supply Mercedes Benz

Kumho Tires has announced that it has been selected by DaimlerChrysler AG to supply tyres for the second generation of the Mercedes Benz A-Class model. Kumho will supply its Solus KH15 in size 185/65R15 for the new hatchback which is manufactured at DaimlerChrysler’s Rastatt plant in South West Germany.

The deal with DaimlerChrysler is seen as a major achievement for Kumho Tires and is likely to have a significant impact on the global OE business of the Seoul-based company which becomes the first Korean tyre manufacturer to supply the giant car maker. According to a Kumho Tires spokesman, the company was awarded the contract after meeting DaimlerChrysler’s technical and quality criteria.

During the development programme for the new tyres, lead by Kumho’s Birmingham, UK based European Technical Centre, the main focus was on ride refinement whilst maintaining safe levels of wet and dry performance as well as low rolling resistance. A new tread compound and carcass material were developed specifically for the A-Class version of the KH15.

The tyre will bear the MO (Mercedes Original Equipment) symbol on its sidewall to indicate that it is an approved fitment for Mercedes Benz cars.

HS Lee, president of KUMHO TIRE Europe GmbH, commented: “We are delighted that we have been awarded this contract by DaimlerChrysler and look forward to continuing to develop high quality tyres for one of the world’s finest car manufacturers.

“We intend to focus increasingly on the growth of our OE business in future,” he continued. “This contract is bound to make an important contribution to the strength of the Kumho brand in the global market and will boost recognition of the quality and technological capability of our products.”