For some years, Kumho was an influential player in the UK and Ireland commercial tyre market before temporarily withdrawing from the segment. It has now returned with a vengeance – complete with a new sales structure and better products than ever before.
The company’s newly-reformed truck tyre department is headed by former Bridgestone commercial vehicle specialist Steve Miller, who brings a wealth of experience to the task of reintroducing the brand to an already crowded sector of the business. Appointed in October 2013, he has spent the last two years months creating the foundations of an all-new direct distribution network. Says Steve: “The relaunch is providing an unrivalled chance for us to re-appraise how we promote both the tyres and the company to the truck market. It is also a golden opportunity for the customers to help create a partnership in which they can dictate how they wish to be supported. We are now effectively at the end of second first of four phases of development, and I’m extremely encouraged by the progress made to date.”
Continues Miller: “The product is far more competitive than ever before and, I can honestly say, now as good as any I have encountered. We have maximised casing quality, improved tread compounds and introduced some highly-effective new tread patterns. Along with keen pricing, these upgrades will ensure the lowest cost per kilometre.”
The headline offerings are:
1. KMA12
This heavily blocked tyre features reinforced construction for optimum cut and damage resistance. Together with a stone ejector bar this makes the KMA12 an ideal product for the forestry and construction industries, by whom it has been enthusiastically welcomed.
2. KRS04
Equally well received, KRS04 is a purpose-built super single steer tyre, which though particularly well suited to regional work is also being deployed in longer-haul environments, as a result of its low fuel consumption and cool running properties.
3. KRS15
A standard regional steer tyre, KRS15 has been optimised for even running, which results in a low wear rate and strong grip.
4. KSX10
Featuring both the snowflake symbol (3PMSF) and M+S marking, Kumho’s latest steer tyre is a genuine all-season product that will provide safe driving in both wet and wintry conditions. The newcomer also offers an extended mileage capability thanks to its notably wide tread and shoulder design, while a special tread compound results in improved handling. Stone ejectors within the groove pattern increase the tyre’s retreading ability. Taking everything into consideration, KXS10 offers savings of up to 15 percent when compared with its predecessor and, though only initially available in 315/80R22.5 size, will be offered in other fitments shortly. A corresponding drive axle tyre is also on the horizon.
Major new HQ
Kumho’s new direct distribution strategy has been made possible by the move to a major new DHL-run warehouse facility at Magna Park, Lutterworth, Leicestershire. With the M1, M6 and M69 motorways all just minutes away, it is an ideal location for such a national hub, and besides housing thousands of truck, van, 4×4 and car tyres, it is also home to an expanded sales and marketing operation.
For further information on Kumho and its products for trucks, vans, 4x4s and cars see www.kumhotyre.co.uk.
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