Kumho Predicts $1/2 billion EU Sales in 2008

Kumho established its European base in Frankfurt, Germany in January 1978. Now three decades later, the South Korean tyre manufacturer is aiming to celebrate its 30th anniversary with half a billion dollars-worth of European sales. The headquarters of Kumho’s European technical operations is located near Birmingham in the UK’s West Midlands. Having opened in June 1998, it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary later this year.

Kumho’s technical development and brand image have been greatly strengthened by class wins in motorsport events like 2007 Le Mans 24-hour race and the Irish round of the World Rally Championship. Apart its aftermarket business, Kumho is increasingly supplying tyres to the major European car manufacturers for original equipment fitment. Among Kumho’s European customers are Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.

Last year, Kumho further demonstrated its premium brand status by becoming a Platinum sponsor of the world’s most famous football club – Manchester United – and the first of many intended joint promotions took place throughout the UK this January. This prestige agreement with Manchester United will remain in place until at least 2011.