International tyre company, Kumho has been honoured with a number of significant global design awards in recent months, underlining the cutting edge engineering and research capabilities of the tyre maker.
Two of Kumho's latest products have been awarded prestigious International Forum (iF) Design Awards for 2020. The International Forum Design awarded both the Kumho Solus TA91 high performance tyre and the Wi51 winter tyre with iF awards.
iF Design Award winners are selected via a comprehensive screening process that takes into account design excellence as well as innovation, environmental friendliness, quality, functionality and convenience.
Solus TA91 is Kumho's Ultra-high performance all season tyre developed to meet requirements of comfort, safety and eco friendliness particularly for luxury sedans.
The TA91 was developed with Kumho comfort Control Technology using multi-sequence optimised design with precision manufacturing methods employed to reduce vibration and road noise. Meanwhile assymetric tyre design, construction and tread compound, help maximise its performance and ride quality. The tyre pattern also features an 'in-out' tread design to provide more stable cornering, quietness, and durability.
The new Wi51, has been designed for the European arctic winter market, and boasts outstanding performance on icy and snow-covered roads. Its contemporary compound technology results in improved traction and braking.
The Wi51 is designed to perform at the highest level in icy and snowy conditions and features an optimised directional pattern for PCR and a new tread wear indicator inspired by sandglass, making it easy to confirm the level of tire wear.
The Wi51 also has a micro knurling structure reminiscent of a lizard's footprint applied to the tread block in order to maximise ground adhesion. The rim design, which references ice crystals, absorbs tire noise and expresses the product's unique appearance
Hot on the heels of the two iF International Forum Design Awards, Kumho has also received the 2019 North America Good Design Award for the transportation category.
The Good Design Awards recognise the most innovative and cutting edge industrial products in 30 categories across the globe.
In 2019, the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies partnered with the Chicago Museum to select winners based on a range of criteria , including function, new technology and innovative design.
As a result the Kumho Ecsta PA51, launched in Australia in mid 2019, was honoured along with both of the iF Design Award winners, the Solus TA91 and Wi51.
Along with these awards, in late 2019 Kumho was also honoured with Good Design Awards by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organisation, arguably Japan's most prestigious international design competition. Products which are honoured with these awards are allowed to bear the prestigious 'G-mark'.
Kumho's success came in the transportation equipment and industrial facility category, one of five award categories, with both the Solus TA91 and ECSTA PA51 being honoured with G-mark'
According to Jung Il-taik, managing director of the R&D division of Kumho Tyre, the company always strives to distinguish itself by developing high quality, innovative products.
"The receipt of these award is recognition on a global scale, of our design philosophy and excellence as well as our innovative technologies," said Jung Il-Taik.
"We remain committed to offering a variety of quality products based on our R&D capabilities and will continue to focus our research capabilities on creating that satisfy the need of our consumers," he added.
Since its inception in 1960, Kumho Tyre has been a model of steady growth amid dramatic changes of business landscape. Driven by innovation in management and technical development Kumho has become one of the world's leading tyre companies.
Over the past half-century Kumho Tyres has built the foundation for a sustainable company, which has thrived through a full range of business environments.
Kumho has succeeded in the development of superior tyres for all vehicles including high performance, passenger, sports utility and recreational vehicles, as well as light trucks, heavy truck and buses, industrial, agricultural, mining and construction vehicles as well as aircraft.
Kumho produces more than 70 million tyres across the globe annually and in Australia it markets an extensive range of tyres for cars, 4WD's, light commercials, trucks and buses with a network centred around five state locations with the ability to distribute tyres to retailers across all areas of Australia.
ENDS