Kumho wins Idea design awards for airless and hybrid tyres

Kumho’s next generation e-NIMF and e-TOPS tyres have been honoured with 2020 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). Having already received iF and Red Dot accolades in February and March respectively, has now won three of the world’s top design awards in the same year.

The e-NIMF (which stands eco-friendly, no-inflation, and maintenance-free) is an airless concept tyre. Being airless, punctures aren’t a problem and it is designed to use replacement treads.

e-TOPS is a hybrid product that features the combined strengths of pneumatic and airless tyres. Its airless upper structure of spokes and tread protect the tyre from the threat of foreign matter, while the lower, less vulnerable section contains a degree of air.

“For the past few years, we have been developing products such as airless tyres in active response to the future car market, and our success in the IDEA Awards scheme reflects Kumho’s future-oriented design and technological prowess,” said Jung Il-Taik, senior vice-president of research and development. “We have focused our research on airless tyres and hybrid products and will continue reinforcing our design and technological capabilities in order to deliver both safety and convenience, the two qualities most sought after by our customers.”

The 40-year-old IDEA Awards are organised by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). This year more than 1,800 entries vied for its recognition.