Kumho ECSTA HM KH31 rated ‘exemplary’ in latest tyre tests
The German magazine Auto Bild is one of the world’s most successful automotive titles (2.8 million readers in Germany alone) - as such, the results of its tyre tests are regarded as highly credible and extremely influential. The latest one ranked the Kumho ECSTA HM KH31 third overall out of 14 summer products from 13 tyre manufacturers – including Michelin, Continental, Pirelli and Goodyear – and ‘exemplary’ overall.
Tyres in the popular size of 185/60R15 were assessed for handling, braking, driving comfort and fuel efficiency. The resulting report concluded that ‘the KH31 demonstrated a high degree of balanced performance on both wet and dry surfaces, good aquaplaning resistance and low pass-by noise levels’. The summary recorded that the KH31 was one of three tyres to offer ‘reassuringly high reserves of safety’.
Last year the KH31 tied for second place in a tyre test conducted by another well regarded German publication – Autozeitung. With its upgraded ultra high-performance tread compound technology, the KH31 boasts enhanced driving ability and extended product life. Europe is a key market for Kumho and accounts for some 30 per cent of the Korean company’s overseas sales. Such good test ratings will do much to raise the level still higher.
Roger Jenkins, managing director of Kumho Europe Technical Centre, said, “The recent test results endorse our growing technological prowess and product quality. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we will optimise our accumulated R&D assets with the aim of further increasing our impact on the global market.”
The last few months have been especially successful for Kumho. In addition to the test results already mentioned, the company recently won the ‘Tire Manufacturing And Design Innovation Of The Year’ Award for its laser etching process. It received the accolade at the Tire Technology Expoin Cologne– the largest event of its type in the world. Late last year it collected one of the coveted German iF Product Design Awards for the same milestone technology.
