Kumho broadens UK truck tyre distribution channels

During 2023 Kumho Tyre is significantly expanding its truck tyre distribution channels in the UK in order to increase availability. Direct supply has recently been launched from Kumho’s GB warehouse stock and the company reports that it is “actively seeking to partner with specialist truck tyre businesses focused on sales to fleets and other end users”. A national sales manager for truck tyres has also been appointed to lead Kumho’s development programme in the UK commercial tyre market.

Managing director Richard Lyons explained: “Kumho has long been highly regarded for its quality in the UK market and our focus is now on ensuring maximum and consistent availability to customers nationwide.”

Kumho’s range of truck tyres has benefited from continuous investment in new technology in recent years and currently features the following products.

KXS10/KXD10/KXA11

The latest addition to Kumho’s multi-purpose line-up is the KXA11 all-position tyre that’s available in 385/65R22.5 and 385/55R22.5 sizes, while the established KXS10 steer and KXD10 drive patterns are offered in a selection of fitments from 17.5 to 22.5 inches. The 3PMSF marked range offers excellent all-season performance across a variety of operational demands, together with increased mileage.

KRS50/KRD50/KRT03

Although gradually being superseded by the XS and XD family, Kumho’s proven KRS50 and KRD50 regional patterns continue to be available and offer high mileage and improved wear performance characteristics, while the KRT03 trailer pattern features: a deep and wide tread design for even wear and good cut and chip resistance; a robust shoulder for equal contact pressure; and stone ejectors in all grooves. The regional trio are currently available in both 17.5 and 19.5 inch fitments as well as an extra load version of 315/80R22.5.

KMA12

Kumho describes the KMA12 as “one of the finest mixed service super singles on the market”, adding that this workhorse product has become the mainstay of many fleets in both trailer and steer positions. The has been extended to three sizes: 385/65R22.5, 425/65R22.5 and 445/65R22.5.

Kumho’s latest LCV offerings

The most recent additions to Kumho’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) tyre range are the PorTran KC53, CX11 and CW51.

Kumho’s latest LCV product – the PorTran CX11 – is an all-season tyre for vans and light commercial vehicles. It was created by combining the strengths of the company’s all-season Solus 4S HA32 passenger car pattern and its existing winter specification van tyre, the PorTran CW51. The result “ensures safe, secure driving and excellent braking performance throughout the year”, according to the company.

The PorTran 4S CX11 is currently available in 18 sizes ranging from 15 to 17 inches, which between them will accommodate the most popular vans and LCVs operating on Europe’s roads, including: the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Fiat Ducato, Renault Kangoo and Volkswagen Transporter.

The winter alpine pattern CW51 is aimed at providing light commercial vehicles with the best in traction and handling in snowy and/or icy conditions. It features 3D sipes in the shoulder area for superior handling and reinforced tread blocks for improved stability, and is available in no less than 18 sizes.

The Kumho KC53 is primarily designed for the latest generation of commercial vans and has been optimised to deliver “exceptional highway performance”.

The heavy-duty KC53 boasts a wide tread and stable block pattern for “outstanding dry handling, even in maximum load conditions”. Broad cross-grooves are designed to provide precise steering in both dry and wet conditions, while wide straight circumferential grooves “minimise the risk of aquaplaning”.

KC53 is currently available in some 38 H, T, R and Q-rated sizes ranging from 155R13C to 215/60R17C, the latest addition to the line-up.

Kumho’s latest LCV product – the PorTran CX11 – is an all-season tyre for vans and light commercial vehicles (Photo: Kumho)