Kumho celebrates 30 years in Europe

Korean tyre giant Kumho established its European base in Frankfurt, Germany in January 1978, so is now celebrating 30 years on the continent. The company’s total European sales for 2008 are expected to exceed $1/2 billion.

Its technical development and brand image have been greatly strengthened by class wins in such high profile 2007 events as the Le Mans 24-hour race and the Irish round of the World Rally Championship – Rally Ireland. It also has the contract to supply control tyres for the Euro F3 Championship: a recognised feeder series for F1, that has spawned Lewis Hamilton and many other household name drivers.

Last year, Kumho further demonstrated its premium brand status by becoming a Platinum sponsor of the world’s most famous football club – Manchester United – and the first of many intended joint promotions took place throughout the UK this January. This prestige agreement with Manchester United will remain in place until at least 2011.

Apart from its thriving aftermarket business, Kumho is increasingly supplying tyres to the major European car manufacturers for original equipment fitment. Among Kumho’s European customers are Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.

The headquarters of Kumho’s European technical operations is located near Birmingham in the UK’s West Midlands. Having opened in June 1998, it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary later this year.

For further information about Kumho and its products, log onto kumhotyre.co.uk.