Ford chooses Kumho Tires as OE tires for 2009 Ford Focus

Kumho Tires, one of the world's leading tire manufacturers, has been selected by Ford Motor Company to supply original equipment tires for the majority of the new 2009 Ford Focus models.

Kumho Tires will supply approximately 200,000 of its 215/45R17 Solus KH16 tires for the Focus. These Ultra High Performance (UHP) tires provide a more stable ride while minimizing road noise.

The Solus KH16 has been in the U.S. tire replacement market since 2005, and has demonstrated all seasonal performance along with the best practical value as proven by sales volumes of over one million units per year.

"This contract is an important step for Kumho Tires; we now have supply contracts with all of the big three automakers in North America," says Sae-chul Oh, president and CEO of Kumho Tires. "These companies have recognized that Kumho Tires shares their commitment to quality, technology and performance. We will continue to expand our North American presence to become one of the top five global tire manufacturers by 2015."

Kumho Tires, which started business in the U.S. market in 1975, has recently established a firm base in North America, with a groundbreaking ceremony for an automated production facility in Macon, Ga., capable of supplying 2.1 million tires annually. The company is currently an original equipment supplier for General Motors as well as Chrysler.

In addition, Kumho Tires also supplies original equipment tires to Volkswagen, Daimler, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Kia, making it a truly global tire manufacturer.

"Kumho Tires is always improving to meet our customers' needs and expand our global presence," Oh says. "As environmental issues become more important and oil prices rise, we are bolstering our commitment to design and make durable, efficient products that help to increase fuel efficiency and minimize environmental impact."