Kumho Ecowing ES31 tyre becomes Seat Ibiza original equipment

Kumho’s Ecowing ES31 has been selected as the standard tyre for the latest version of the Ibiza, Seat’s bestselling model. The compact hatchback will run on size 185/65R15 88H tyres. The new deal continues the South Korean tyre manufacturer’s 14-year relationship with the VW Group. Kumho began supplying OE fitments for the Volkswagen Polo in 2006.

Designed as an environmentally-friendly summer product for the European market, the ES31 features low rolling resistance (LRR) technology that is specifically designed to minimise carbon dioxide emissions and energy loss without sacrificing performance. Its tread pattern and latest specification compound deliver a balanced driving performance in terms of wet grip, mileage and noise.

In 2015, Kumho began the development of an environmentally-friendly pattern for the Polo, the result of which was the Ecowing ES01 tyre. The Polo ran on this tyre from 2017, but switched to the newly improved ES31 at the end of 2019. Since the Seat Ibiza uses the same MQB platform as the group’s Polo, the ES31 was pre-approved for use within the Volkswagen Group. Therefore, the agreement to supply the Ibiza production line was achieved without additional testing.

The Ibiza is Seat’s bestselling model, enjoying enduring popularity since its debut in 1984. The design priorities of the fifth generation’s MQB platform included optimising weight, robustness and space efficiency. Manufacture of the car will take place at Seat’s production facility in Martorell, Spain. The model will be sold across Europe. The ES31 tyres will be manufactured at Kumho’s Gokseong plant in South Korea.

Commenting on Kumho’s latest OE appointment, senior vice president of Kumho Tire Kim In-soo said: “The contract to supply the ES31 for standard fit to the SEAT Ibiza is further confirmation of the Volkswagen Group’s approval of our eco-friendly tyres, which have already enjoyed recognition across the European market. We will continue building on our proprietary technologies with the aim of creating a new chapter in the field of environmentally-friendly tyres.”