US-based industrial union the United Steelworkers reports that it now represents approximately 325 workers at the Kumho Tire factory in Macon, Georgia. The workforce’s status as a bargaining unit comes almost two years after an initial vote on the matter was held.
Zufall Logistics of Germany has set up a subsidiary to consolidate its tyre logistics services in the country. Zufall Tire Logistics will take over the services previously handled by sister company Müller + Partner. The company is reportedly serving customers including Korean suppliers Hankook Reifen Deutschland and Kumho Tire Europe.
Kumho’s 4×4 tyre range has was recently extended by the addition of the Road Venture AT61 tyre. While there are a range of Kumho 4×4 products from which to choose, the majority of requirements are covered by on-road products as the Crugen HP91 and KL33, plus the cross-functional Road Venture patterned MT51 and newly-launched AT61. Between them they cover everything from such top end SUVs as the Range Rover and BMW X5 to the ever-popular Land Rover Defender.
One of the many highlights of Kumho Tyre’s partnership agreement with Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur is the annual five-a-side tournament the club lays on for Kumho’s UK customers. Kumho considers this a money-can’t-buy experience that is “eagerly anticipated” by all concerned.
Kumho Tyre is the new Premium Partner for German football club Bayer 04 Leverkusen and, for the annual DFB Cup knockout competition, sleeve partner. The two-year partnership between the tyre maker and football club got underway on Saturday when the Bayer 04 players took to the field in their new kit for the first round of the DFB Cup, a match that saw them defeat Alemannia Achen by four goals to one.
The Kia range recently grew with the arrival of the Seltos. The compact SUV officially debuted in India on 20 June, and in addition to spearheading Kia’s planned growth in that market, Seltos models will be exported around the world. The Seltos is heading our away soon and will reach Europe from September. It will be wearing Kumho tyres when it arrives in showrooms.
Kumho has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with BMW, having for many years supplied tyres for the 1, 2 and 3 Series ranges. Recently, it also supplied original tyres for the latest X3 and MINI Countryman. Now the new 5 Series BMW has joined the supply list, with Kumho’s Ecsta PS91 Super Sports tyre in 245/45R18 XL 100Y size delivered to the German marque’s Dingolfing plant in Bavaria.
Matthias Bode was appointed head of Kumho’s European Technical Centre (KETC) in Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany at the beginning of June. The 50-year-old is responsible for the development of all Kumho products for the European original equipment (OE) and replacement markets.
Kumho has developed a 20-inch commercial vehicle tyre in 45 profile, a product it calls a world first. The manufacturer will supply the PorTran KC53 in size 245/45R20C 115/113R to Hyundai as original equipment on the Solati Limousine. The minibus was originally shod with 16 inch tyres, with a number of tyre manufacturers tasked with increasing the tyre size prior to Kumho satisfying the car manufacturer’s needs.
Kumho Tire has produced the world’s first 20-inch, 45 profile tyre for light commercial vehicles, and is supplying it as an original equipment fitment for the Hyundai H350 in global markets. Purchasers of the Hyundai van who select the Kumho tyre will receive the PorTran KC53 in size 245/45 R20 C 115/113R.
On 1 May, Namwook Jung took over as head of Kumho Tire Italia. He joined the Italian operation after leading the tyre maker’s business in Germany since December 2017.
Effective 1 May, Woongchul Shin has taken on the role of general manager at Kumho Tire Europe, and as such is responsible for Kumho’s business in the German market. He succeeds Namwook Jung, who has relocated to Milan to head the Kumho Tyre Italia operation.
The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) announced today that it has fined Kumho Tire and Nexen Tire for forcing South Korean retailers to sell tyres at or above specific set prices.
Kumho Tire plans to delist its shares from the London Stock Exchange (LSE) at the end of April 2019, according to South Korean company filings.
Kumho Tire reports that models of the BMW X3 manufactured at the BMW America plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina are being fitted with the Kumho Crugen HP91 as original equipment. The sport activity vehicle rides on the Crugen in size 245/50R19 105W; the tyres are manufactured at Kumho’s Gwangju plant in South Korea.
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