Kumho Tire U.S.A. has significantly expanded its role as an original equipment (OE) tire supplier, securing new contracts with two major automakers. The company now supplies tires to more than 40 vehicle platforms across nine different automotive brands in North America, including Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Audi, and Volkswagen. This expansion reflects growing confidence from established carmakers in Kumho’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

Waymo Selects Kumho for Autonomous Vehicle Fleet

In a notable development for the autonomous vehicle industry, Waymo has chosen Kumho as the exclusive OE tire supplier for Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles in its U.S. robotaxi fleet. This selection highlights the demanding nature of autonomous vehicle operations, which require consistent tire performance across extended driving cycles. Kumho engineered its Crugen EV HP71 tire specifically for high-utilization fleet demands and the unique performance needs of electric vehicles.

The Crugen EV HP71 incorporates several features designed to support autonomous and electric vehicle applications. Kumho’s K-Silent technology uses sound-absorbing foam and a noise-optimized tread pattern to reduce cabin noise, a critical consideration in electric vehicles where passengers are more aware of ambient sounds. The tire also accommodates the heavier weight of electric vehicles while reducing rolling resistance, which helps improve overall efficiency. For fleet operators managing large autonomous fleets, proper tire maintenance planning becomes even more important to ensure consistent performance and cost management.

electric vehicle charging station
Photo by Christian Rebero Twahirwa

Nissan has named Kumho as its OE tire supplier for select Rogue and Frontier models sold throughout North America. The Rogue will come equipped with Kumho’s Crugen HP71 all-season touring tires, while the Frontier pickup will use the newly developed Kumho Road Venture HT all-season highway-terrain tires.

The Crugen HP71 was engineered specifically for crossover and SUV applications, delivering a quiet and comfortable ride throughout the year. The tire features wide circumferential grooves and micro-serration technology that improve wet traction and help prevent hydroplaning. An optimized tread construction supports both tread life and winter performance, making it suitable for year-round driving conditions across diverse North American climates.

New Road Venture HT Offers Enhanced Durability and Winter Performance

pickup truck driving road
Photo by Pereanu Sebastian

The Road Venture HT represents Kumho’s latest offering for modern pickups and SUVs, with a focus on enhancing both safety and longevity. The tire uses a next-generation polymer compound that delivers a 10% improvement in tread life compared to its predecessor, meaning shoppers will experience longer intervals between tire replacements. This durability advantage can result in meaningful savings over the life of vehicle ownership.

Winter capability is a key strength of the Road Venture HT. The tire carries Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, which indicates it meets rigorous performance standards for severe winter conditions. This certification matters significantly for drivers in northern climates or regions that experience frequent snow and ice. Wet and snow traction performance have been enhanced through the tire’s advanced design, supporting safer handling in challenging weather. Understanding tire performance specifications helps shoppers make informed decisions when selecting replacement tires.

What This Means for Future Tire Buyers

When major automakers like Nissan and Hyundai select a tire supplier for their vehicles, this decision typically influences the replacement tire market. Drivers who own vehicles equipped with OE tires from a particular manufacturer often consider the same brand when replacement time arrives. Understanding that your vehicle came with a premium tire brand can guide your purchasing decisions and help you maintain the same level of performance and reliability.

As Kumho continues to expand its OE partnerships, the company is demonstrating its ability to meet the evolving demands of modern vehicles, from traditional combustion engines to electric powertrains to autonomous platforms. For consumers shopping for replacement tires, this growth signals that quality options from established tire manufacturers are becoming increasingly available. Whether you drive a Nissan Rogue, a Hyundai crossover, or another vehicle entirely, knowing how to evaluate tire options ensures you select the right product for your driving needs and budget.

These OE supply agreements represent more than just business deals between manufacturers. They underscore the importance of tire quality in vehicle safety, efficiency, and long-term ownership costs. As you consider your next tire purchase, the engineering standards that Kumho met to secure these major contracts serve as a reminder that investing in quality tires pays dividends in performance, reliability, and value.