Kumho Tire secures deal with Volkswagen’s SEAT, accelerates European push

[Financial News] Kumho Tire is stepping up its push into the European market by supplying original equipment (OE) tires to SEAT, the Spanish automaker under Volkswagen Group. As the company continues to post average annual sales growth of at least 20% in Europe, it is moving to expand its supply ties with global automakers. Its strategy is also to strengthen its local business base, including by building a new plant in Europe, while leveraging its competitive edge in premium products.
Kumho Tire said on the 9th that it will supply original equipment (OE) tires for the SEAT Leon, a compact hatchback under Volkswagen Group. SEAT is a Spanish automotive brand and one of Volkswagen Group’s major subsidiaries. The fourth-generation Leon is built on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform and incorporates features including Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) to enhance driving stability and practicality.
The product being supplied is the premium high-performance tire Ecsta (ECSTA) HS52. Optimized for sedans and sports vehicles, it features a firm tread-block structure that keeps friction pressure evenly distributed across the contact patch and reduces road impacts and noise.
In particular, its rigid shoulder-block technology enhances handling performance and stability at high speeds. Kumho Tire plans to use this supply deal to expand its OE tire supply base within Volkswagen Group and strengthen its product competitiveness in Europe’s premium market.
Kim In-su, head of Kumho Tire’s OE Sales Division and an executive vice president, said, “The supply of OE tires for the SEAT Leon is an achievement that shows Kumho Tire’s unrivaled technological capabilities are widely recognized across various brands within Volkswagen Group.” He added, “As our brand competitiveness continues to strengthen in major global markets, including Europe, we will continue to diversify and expand our partnerships with world-class automakers.”
After achieving its highest-ever results last year, Kumho Tire continues to post average annual sales growth of at least 20% in the European market. The company plans to strengthen its R&D capabilities tailored to local markets and expand its premium product lineup, while also boosting local production capacity by building a new plant in Europe.

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