Kumho OEM supply to Yokohama may begin this year

As reported on 18 May, Kumho Tire has begun negotiations regarding its delivery of original equipment tyres to Yokohama Rubber. Kumho says that such a deal, if agreed upon, would help it increase the utilisation rate of its factories in China.

“Negotiations are under way on issues including specifications, volume and start of shipment,” reported an unnamed Kumho official in a statement issued by the South Korean tyre maker. “We will consider gradually expanding shipment volume depending on orders secured by our plants in China and the demand for OEM products. We can start delivery as early as this year if we make rapid progress on the negotiations.”

Kumho also reported that it and Yokohama have been co-developing “next-generation tyres” after forging a strategic research and development alliance in May 2014.