IN modern world on automotive market there are a large number of enterprises that produce car tires. Their large number does not mean that the market is full of exclusively high-quality products - most models have, to put it mildly, not the best best characteristics and indicators. And when buying car tires, you need to look not only at the physical condition of the wheels, but also pay attention to who exactly produced these products.

Today, two corporations occupy a special place in the consumer market - Kumho and Nokian. These companies produce the most quality tires, which are in excellent demand all over the world. But buy two sets for the season from different manufacturers impractical and expensive, and choosing one of the two is quite difficult. Let's try to figure out which car tire models from different manufacturers are the best.

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Tires from Japanese manufacturer Kumho tires are the most purchased tires in Japan - here these products are sold at incredible speed and with a fairly large volume. In its homeland, the Kumho manufacturer is almost a monopolist, despite the presence of other tire manufacturers. Also, Kumho gradually began to develop the European market and now this company is recognized all over the world, thanks to the excellent activity of sales specialists and, of course, manufacturing engineers. So why is Kumho so popular?

Here it is necessary to understand that the quality of products manufactured by the Japanese is truly at the highest level. Everything looks optimal in car tires - tread pattern, side and main parts, composition rubber compound etc. Whatever aspect you take, whatever nuance you consider, it is quite difficult to find any shortcomings in virtually every component in any model of Kumho tires. But this does not mean that they do not exist at all.

First of all, it is worth noting the excellent road grip characteristics. It's no secret that highways in Japan they are of the highest quality and are perhaps the best in the world. Therefore, it would seem that tires should be quite “fragile”, subject to wear and not have the highest service life and safety margin.

In reality, everything turned out to be completely wrong - Kumho car tires have incredibly high service life: they are reliable, durable, highest class safety of use. The most interesting thing is that most models from the Japanese manufacturer can also be used off-road, although it would seem that it makes no sense to create such tires on Japanese roads.

It is also worth saying that tires from this manufacturer behave perfectly on wet asphalt or when driving on a dirty, slippery surface, because the grip on the road is excellent. This is due to the unique construction of the tires, as well as thanks to the optimized tread pattern, for the development of which the Japanese use the most modern computer technologies. It is also worth noting that the Japanese are working on the release of new models very carefully and precisely.

For example, Japanese summer tires cannot be used in winter time, no matter how good the road grip. The onset of cold weather and a strong drop in temperature can seriously affect the quality of car tires in the future. This lack of versatility for tire models, on the one hand, is a credit to the manufacturer, because such a nuance contributes to more painstaking and quality work above the product. Well, the disadvantage of non-universality is very clear, without further ado.

If we talk about Nokian tires, then first of all it is worth noting that tires from this manufacturer are among the most popular, well-known and sold in Europe. The Finnish manufacturer's winter models are especially successful, and some drivers even then convert winter tires in the summer, to travel longer quality tires. What's so great about these tires?

The Finnish manufacturer Nokian has always been famous for producing and still producing tires with incredibly high quality rubber. Rubber is manufactured for all models using special technologies, using a large number of absorbent gels, and it is this fact that gives Finnish-made tires excellent performance characteristics. The margin of safety has become more serious, and the degree of resistance to wear and deformation has been increased.

Also, the Finnish manufacturer has done a great job to ensure that speed characteristics all models of Nokian tires were at the highest level, and over the course of several years this really became so - cars on such tires not only pick up speed faster, but also contribute to faster braking. We also note that the braking qualities of Nokian car tires allow cars to significantly reduce the braking distance. This measure indicates a higher safety class of these tires and reliability while driving.

I would also like to additionally note the tread pattern of Nokian tires and its features. The most key point here is the construction of grooves and increasing their width, which allows water masses to be removed from the contact patch as quickly as possible while driving on a slippery and wet road. This is another factor that has a great effect on the degree of adhesion of the wheel to the road surface.

Model range Kumho and Nokian

If we consider the model ranges of both manufacturers, we can note the following - the Finnish manufacturer has a slightly wider and more interesting range. Nokian has many more types of tires - summer, winter, all-season. A large number of independent experts evaluated Nokian tires and more than once recognized some models as the highest quality for any particular period.

Despite the fact that the Finnish manufacturer has many more models than Kumho, Japanese tires cannot be called lower quality than tires from Nokian. The Japanese have done a great job on such qualities as braking properties, road grip, tread pattern and others. The rubber compound of Kumho tires is made on the basis of natural rubber, while the Finnish manufacturer also uses silica for rubber. This means that the environmental class of Kumho tires is slightly higher than that of tires from the Finnish manufacturer.

But if you look more at speed qualities, here Japanese products are inferior to Finnish ones. The structure of the tread profile is designed in such a way that the acceleration of cars actually occurs faster at those vehicles which are equipped with Nokian tires. This is due to both the composition of the rubber mixture and the very construction of the cord and the main part of the tire.

Acceleration and braking properties are implemented perfectly in Nokian models, and this is what contributes to the effect of reducing fuel consumption. The engine is wasting less effort It takes less effort to accelerate the car and to stop abruptly due to the fact that the rubber compound includes excellent stopping components.

The most interesting and best-selling model in the Kumho series is the Gripmax 745, known to the entire world community. This model of car tires is all-season, designed for passenger cars. It stands out among all other models because it has the most high performance and operational features. These properties provide the driver and passengers in the car with a high degree of reliability and safety.

Interesting here is the tread profile, which is checkered. This construction guarantees excellent grip both when driving on a wet track and on a dry heated surface. The central longitudinal tubules promptly and quickly drain the water mass from the contact patch. Such features not only improve grip, but also significantly reduce noise levels. This means that the level of driving comfort is correspondingly increased.

The best model of car tires from the Finnish manufacturer Nokian can be called Hakka green. These tires are intended for use in the summer season, however, many people leave these tires in the winter, without even performing tire stud operations. All thanks optimal composition rubber compound in these tires, which makes it possible to enjoy excellent grip on the road. This model is also characterized by excellent speed characteristics, making the car accelerate much faster than when using tires of other modifications.

This model also has excellent braking properties, as a result of which when stopping with high speed movement braking distance will be much shorter than with any other tire model. Such braking properties are excellent for high-speed driving in bad rainy weather.

Also special attention The Finnish model deserves such properties as rolling resistance and aquaplaning. Both of these properties are at the highest level, which gives excellent grip during fast movement, and also increases the reliability and safety of movement.

Comparison of the best models

If you look at everything objectively best qualities and the shortcomings of the presented models and add up the resulting result, then the Japanese model, after all, loses quite a bit to its Finnish counterpart. The Nokian model has more developed strength characteristics, despite the fact that the Japanese model was universal, all-season, and the Finnish one was exclusively summer.

The Finnish model also has better grip and better speed characteristics. This model is inferior to Japanese tires in that the braking characteristics and general security use. Also, the Japanese model is more environmentally friendly due to the fact that natural rubber is used to produce rubber.

There are few disadvantages in both models - in fact, there are none. In general, based on the totality of advantages, we can give the palm of leadership to the model Nokian Hakka Green. And judging by the overall model range and evaluate each model, there will probably be a sample of Japanese origin that will be superior to its Finnish counterpart. But in general, the quality of Nokian tires produced is still higher.

Resume

We can say that Nokian tires are better than Kumho tires. However, the advantage in this matter for Finnish-made car tires is not too large and certainly not overwhelming, which suggests that over time, Japanese models can overtake Finnish ones in terms of quality, since the progressiveness of tire production at the Kumho company is much higher than that of Nokian. However, there is no point in thinking ahead in such matters.

The most best model The Nokian sells much better than the Kumho model. And this suggests that not only experts consider Finnish tires better than Japanese ones - ordinary people in Europe and the world think the same way.

The reason was reports that the Chinese Kumho plant was using too much material from waste tires in the production of new tires, which could cause tread breaks, the Chinese government said in a statement.

Kumho is one of largest producers tires in China, where the company's market share last year was estimated at 16%. China also accounts for about 30% of total volumes Kumho sales.

Even though Lee Han-Seop, director of Kumho China, publicly apologized on CCTV, which was the first to report the defective tires, many consumers expressed their distrust of the company, and some even demanded legal action. responsibility of those involved in the production of low-quality tires. Mr. Lee promised that the defective tires would be recalled, but did not specify when or how many tires would be recalled.

Following an inspection at the Tianjin plant, Kumho admitted that some internal standards were not fully met, prompting the dismissal of both the plant manager and employees responsible for quality control.

In a statement, Kumho said it had notified relevant organizations of the voluntary tire recall and pledged to fully cooperate with the Chinese government, adding that it would "address all product quality issues solely from the consumer's perspective."

In the same statement, Kumho emphasized that it did not use recycled rubber, but rubber residues left over from tire production, and that it did not contain chemical additives.

Kumho noted that this rubber is used by all tire manufacturers and that it fully complies with production standards. At the same time, the company admitted that the Tianjin plant used more of this rubber in production than required by internal standards. "The ratio of residues to new tires in Tianjin reached 1/2, while according to the company’s internal standards it should not exceed 1/3,” Xinhua quoted a Kumho representative as saying.

"We acknowledge that we have had some quality issues at the Tianjin plant, but using rubber left over from production is not unusual in the tire industry," a Kumho spokesman also said.

However, Chinese buyers were left unsatisfied with Kumho's explanation, and Xinhua reports that many of them have put off purchasing a new vehicle until all the defective tires are recalled. Shanghai car dealers are also complaining that their consumer hotlines are overwhelmed by calls from customers concerned their tires may also be faulty.

Chinese auto companies such as Chery, Great Wall, Dongfeng, as well as local branches of Hyundai, VW and GM, were quick to issue statements that the Kumho tires installed on their vehicles were not produced at the Tianjin plant. Great Wall announced that it would refuse further cooperation with Kumho altogether.

Market analysts are confident that this scandal will inevitably damage Kumho's reputation in China, which is one of the most promising markets for the Korean company. At the same time, many experts note that it is not yet clear whether Kumho will be able to regain the trust of its Chinese customers and clients among automakers.

So far, experts say there has been no damage to the reputation of Hyundai, one of Kumho's key partners, but Hyundai may want to prevent such a risk by switching to tires from another company, such as Hankook.

“In China's original equipment (OE) sector, Kumho's market share (23%) was the largest, but due to CCTV reports, this may change,” Park Sang-won, an analyst at the Seoul-based agency, told Xinghua. Eugene Investment & Securities. – Kumho has a strong position in the OE sector, which usually contributes to increased sales by secondary market. Now the company can still minimize the damage to its reputation, but only on the condition that it continues to cooperate with auto companies.”

“Kumho reportedly used rubber left over from production rather than recycled materials, and if the misunderstanding is cleared up, the situation may not hurt the company as much,” added Lee Sang-hyun, an expert at NH Investment & Securities. “As for Hyundai, this company will not suffer, since it can easily start purchasing tires from other manufacturers if Chinese buyers are more distrustful of Kumho products.”

About the company Kumho (Kumho)

Tires Kumho Available in summer, winter and all-season versions. The company produces all-season tires for both high-speed and comfortable driving, since the tire tread pattern ensures low noise levels and excellent grip with the road surface. The aggressive design and deep tread make riding comfortable both on and off-road. The central rigid rib provides directional stability. The side grooves and peripheral grooves of Kumho provide excellent grip on any road. Winter tires Available in several modifications for different road surfaces.

The company arose after the Korean-American War of 1950-1953 from a small (two car) transport company. Since 1991, Kumho has been a member of the world's top ten tire manufacturers. Constant development and research, 300 testing facilities in South America, Japan, Europe and South Korea allow the company to constantly lead the world among tire manufacturers with the most modern technologies. The safety and quality of the product is evidenced by the fact that two factories in Korea produce 36 million tires per year. Kumho rubber “shoes” cars, airplanes, buses, agricultural and industrial equipment, and racing cars. Kumho tires have repeatedly proven the highest sports characteristics. Today the company claims to produce tires for Formula 1.

With the arrival of winter, all car enthusiasts are faced with choosing the right tires for their cars, meticulously studying what the market offers. Important to consider when choosing winter tires its quality, grip and other necessary qualities that ensure safe driving on snowy or icy roads. From this point of view, Kumho tires, reviews about them, descriptions and characteristics deserve attention.

About Kumho Tire Manufacturing Company

The Kumho company was founded in 1946 in Korea. Its founder, In-Chun Park, had to go through a difficult path to achieve prosperity. The company was originally established as a transport company. After the war of 1950-1953, Park's business collapsed. But he was able to rebuild his company, which later turned into a thriving company, Kwang Ju Highway Lines, engaged in intercity transportation and the production of Kumho Tires tires. It produces about thirty-six million tires every year. Kumho has representative offices in one hundred and fifty countries around the world. Car enthusiasts leave mostly positive reviews about Kumho products. It is worth dwelling on them in more detail.

Characteristics of Kumho tires

Thanks to the fact that the manufacturer uses technologies tested at Formula 3 Racing in the production of tires, Kumho tires began to be produced not only for motorcycles, but also for passenger cars. The Korean company produces tires for all types of cars, from sports cars to construction equipment and aircraft. Its compliance with international standards is clearly monitored. Tires undergo serious tests, and the results of special research are used in their manufacture. However, the tires Kumho reviews receive contradictory, not only positive, but also critical.

Reviews from car enthusiasts about tires Kumho

There really is no perfection in the world. Car enthusiasts also find shortcomings in the tires of the presented company. The most common is their noise. Moreover, this is typical not only for summer tires, but car enthusiasts note that the tires of the Korean company are hard, get clogged with pebbles when driving on a summer highway, wear out quickly and become covered in dirt.

Positive feedback includes the ease of use of tires in dry and wet weather and fairly good directional stability. There are car enthusiasts who, when purchasing Kumho tires, leave rave reviews without finding any flaws in them. At the same time, they believe that price and quality are quite consistent with each other. Tires gently smooth out road unevenness, show good response to steering turns, and wear is minimal. As a result, car enthusiasts give more positive feedback about tires of Korean origin. At times, they directly contradict criticism. Thus, their noiselessness is noted. Fans of this particular one advise their friends to buy it and are ready to testify that it is capable of competing with well-known ones. For example, Kumho tires, reviews of which are collected in the article, can, in the opinion of car enthusiasts, compete with such famous brands, like Michelin and Continental. The tires have a sporty bias, so they have a smooth ride, hold in corners and brake well. The tires have a protective collar and a strong sidewall. But still, due to the asymmetrical pattern, it produces excessive noise, so it is recommended for those car enthusiasts for whom acoustic comfort while driving is not so important. Positive characteristics include the softness of the rubber, its strength and tenacity.

In general, after analyzing the reviews left about Kumho tires, we can come to the conclusion that there are more positive responses than critical ones. Korean-made tires have proven themselves well on our roads and therefore deserve the attention of car enthusiasts.

Kumho tires are already quite firmly established on the shelves of Russian stores, their sales are slowly but surely growing every year.

However, many Russian car owners are wondering - who is the manufacturer of Kumho tires, where are they produced and where do they get to Russian stores?

From this article you will learn:

The First on Tires website has collected all the information about Kumho tires.

Brand and positioning

The Korean tire brand appeared immediately after the war on the Korean Peninsula in 1960, founded by businessman Park Icheon. Today, the Kumho Tire concern sells its tires on all continents and is one of the 20 largest tire concerns in the world.

In the line of Kumho tire models you can find both “economy class” and “premium class” models intended for SUVs, heavy executive sedans and very fast sports cars. In addition, the Korean concern produces tires for aviation and various special vehicles.

To date, as evidence high quality of manufactured products, the famous Korean tire brand Kumho boasts the fact that 25% of those produced worldwide sports cars Even on the assembly line they are equipped with its tires.

Where are Kumho factories located?

The main production sites of the Korean tire giant are concentrated in Asian countries. The concern has three factories at home (in the cities of Gwangju, Kokson, Pyeongtaek), three factories in China (in the cities of Changchun, Nanjing, Tianjin) and one in Vietnam.

Most of the tires that end up on store shelves in Russia are imported from South Korea and China.

The tire concern also has several research centers where new tire models are being developed. The main center is located at home, in the city of Gwangju, three more centers are located in the USA, Britain and Germany and another in China.

Technologies and developments

The Kumho tire concern has been cooperating with all kinds of automobile competitions for many decades, including the famous Formula 1, thanks to which it has accumulated a lot of experience in the development of sports tires.

What is worth is the fact that the world's first serial sports tire with a diameter of 32 inches appeared under the Kunho brand.

Thanks to its five research centers, as well as solid experience in developing sports tires, the Korean concern regularly pleases its customers with new sports tire models adapted for daily use.

At the same time, tires from the Korean brand from the “economy” line also do not go unnoticed. They contain solutions that have already been tested on more expensive models, which adds value to “economy class” tires. brand Kumho in the eyes of potential buyers.

Benefits for buyers

Kumho tires already have a whole army of fans in Russia. This was largely due to the company’s success in the field of motorsport, as well as very well-thought-out tire models, a combination technical characteristics which were very attractive to many car owners.

It also needs to be said that the Korean concern has always led (and is now leading) a very thoughtful pricing policy for your products. The cost of Kumho tires was almost always lower than the cost of good tires famous brands with a hundred-year history. However, the quality of the tires was quite comparable.

Today, when purchasing products from a Korean tire company, a car owner receives very high-quality and well-designed tires, which contain a lot of modern technical solutions. But he pays noticeably less than if he chose tires from a brand from the top 5.