Kumho Tire USA

What Kumho Tire USA does

Kumho Tire USA (legal entity: Kumho Tire U.S.A., Corp./Inc.) is the US sales, marketing, distribution, and manufacturing arm of South Korea-based Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. Founded in 1960, the company operates a US headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, two distribution centers (Rancho Cucamonga, CA; McDonough, GA), and a manufacturing facility in Macon, GA with stated annual capacity of 10 million tires. Its commercial offering spans four product categories — Electric Vehicle tires, Passenger tires, Light Truck/SUV tires, and Commercial tires — covering more than 40 SKUs from EV-specific lines (CRUGEN EV HP71, MAJESTY 9 EV TA91, SOLUS EV TA31) through performance (ECSTA series), highway-terrain (Road Venture HT, CRUGEN HT51), and SmartWay-certified commercial truck and bus tires.

The product portfolio is supported by a set of proprietary technologies: ESCOT (tension control optimization), XRP (run-flat performance), F3 (high-performance aerodynamic design), K-Silent (EV noise reduction), HDM Silica compound (10% tread-life improvement), and ICOS (commercial tire casing optimization). R&D investments include AI-powered virtual modeling, a digital twin system combining computer-aided engineering and AI, and a smart tire system using real-time data for wear and performance monitoring. The company holds ISO 14001 and SmartWay certifications and has won Red Dot and IDEA design awards (2022) for the Airborne UAM and Fin-Tread concept tires.

Kumho Tire USA generates revenue primarily through two channels: (1) wholesale tire sales to an authorized dealer and distributor network across the US — including Discount Tire, Tire Rack, and SimpleTire — supported by a Premium Fuel Program that delivers training, branding, marketing collateral, and road-hazard warranty benefits; the company does not sell direct to consumers, and (2) Original Equipment (OE) supply to automotive manufacturers including Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, Nissan, Genesis, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, and VinFast. Ancillary revenue comes from extended warranty programs (road hazard, mileage, 30-day trial) sold through dealers. Brand building is driven by motorsport sponsorships (Formula DRIFT through 2029, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, off-road racing), MLB home-plate signage at six ballparks, and the Atlanta Hawks NBA partnership. The company has reported double-digit US sales growth since 2021.

Name

Kumho Tire USA

Legal name

Kumho Tire U.S.A. Corp.

Website

https://kumhotireusa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Kumho Tire USA is the US subsidiary of South Korea's Kumho Tire Co., Ltd., manufacturing tires in Macon, GA (10M units/year) and distributing EV, passenger, light truck/SUV, and commercial tires via authorized dealers and OE supply to 11+ automakers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Tires

NAICS

Tire Manufacturing (except Retreading) (326211), Tire Manufacturing (32621), Tire and Tube Merchant Wholesalers (42313), Tire and Tube Merchant Wholesalers (423130)

SIC

Tires & Inner Tubes (3011), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714), Wholesale-Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies (5010), Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013)

akta.pro primary industry

Passenger Car Tires Manufacturing (IMANAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Light Truck/SUV Tires Manufacturing (IMANAKAB), Commercial Truck & Bus Tires Manufacturing (IMANAKAC), Off-the-Road (OTR) & Heavy Equipment Tires Manufacturing (IMANAKAD), Tires, wheels & related supplies distribution (CRAOANAD)

Keywords

• Passenger vehicle tires
• Light truck tires
• Commercial truck tires
• Electric vehicle tires
• Original equipment tires

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tire Sales (Wholesale/Distribution): Primary revenue from wholesale tire sales through a network of authorized dealers and distributors across the United States. Products include passenger, light truck, SUV, commercial, and EV tires.
2. Original Equipment (OE) Sales: Supplying tires as original equipment to automotive manufacturers including Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and others for installation on new vehicles at factories.
3. Extended Warranties and Road Hazard Coverage: Optional extended warranties including Road Hazard, Mileage warranty, and 30-day trial warranties available through authorized dealers for replacement tires.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Kumho Tire USA designs, manufactures, and distributes a comprehensive portfolio of tires for passenger vehicles, light trucks and SUVs, electric vehicles, and commercial trucks. The company sells replacement tires through an authorized dealer network and supplies original equipment (OE) tires to major automotive manufacturers including Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and others.

Product overview

Kumho Tire USA offers a comprehensive portfolio of tires across four main categories: Electric Vehicle (EV) tires including CRUGEN EV HP71, MAJESTY 9 EV TA91, and SOLUS EV TA31; Passenger tires spanning All-Season (SOLUS TA71, ECSTA LX Platinum), Performance (ECSTA V730, ECSTA Sport S/Sport/Sport A/S), and Grand Touring (SOLUS 4S HA32, SOLUS TA51a, SOLUS TA31); Light Truck & SUV tires covering All-Season Touring (SOLUS 4S HA32 SUV, CRUGEN GT Pro, CRUGEN HP71, CRUGEN Premium), Highway (CRUGEN HT51, ROAD VENTURE HT), All-Terrain (ROAD VENTURE AT52), Rugged Terrain (ROAD VENTURE RT), and Mud-Terrain (ROAD VENTURE MT71); and Commercial tires for Line Haul (KLS12e, KLD11e, KLD02e, KLT12e), Regional (KXD12e, KRS12e, KRS02, KRD23, KRD01, KRT03a, KRT12), Pickup & Delivery (KRS03, KRS50, KRD16, KRD50), Mixed Service (KRA12, KMA01, KMA12, KMD41), and Bus (KLS09). The company also develops smart tire technology, AI-powered virtual modeling, and digital twin systems for tire design.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CRUGEN EV HP71
• MAJESTY 9 EV TA91 EV Passenger/CUV Touring tire designed for comfort, durability, and efficiency for electric vehicles.
• SOLUS EV TA31 EV Grand Touring all-season tire optimized for comfort, quiet, and everyday driving efficiency.
• ECSTA Sport S Max Performance tire with grippy compound for great wet traction and grip, ideal for high horsepower vehicles including EVs.
• ECSTA Sport Ultra High Performance tire providing grippy compound for great wet traction and grip, ideal for high horsepower vehicles including EVs.
• ECSTA Sport A/S Ultra High Performance all-season tire combining grip with year-round versatility.
• ECSTA V730 Extreme Performance tire specifically engineered for competitive drifting conditions, used by Formula DRIFT drivers.
• SOLUS TA71 All-season passenger tire providing reliable everyday driving performance.
• ECSTA 4X II UHP All Season tire delivering enhanced handling and traction in various conditions.
• SOLUS 4S HA32 Performance Touring all-season tire balancing tread wear characteristics with handling and grip.
• SOLUS TA51a Grand Touring All Season tire combining comfort, quiet ride, and all-season capability.
• SOLUS TA31 Grand Touring All Season tire delivering reliable performance and comfort.
• ECSTA LX Platinum All-season grand touring tire engineered exclusively for refined performance luxury sedans and crossover vehicles.
• SOLUS 4S HA32 SUV All-Season Touring tire designed for SUVs with enhanced capabilities for light truck applications.
• CRUGEN GT Pro Grand Touring tire for light trucks offering balanced performance and comfort.
• CRUGEN HP71 All-Season Touring tire for light trucks and SUVs with highway capability.
• CRUGEN Premium All-Season Touring tire delivering comfort and reliability for light truck applications.
• CRUGEN HT51 Highway All-Season tire for light trucks with 3PMSF snow certification and highway terrain capability.
• ROAD VENTURE HT All-season Highway-Terrain tire with HDM Silica compound for 10% improved tread life, 3PMSF snow certification, and EV compatibility.
• ROAD VENTURE AT52 All Terrain tire offering versatile off-road capability with on-road comfort.
• ROAD VENTURE RT Rugged Terrain tire delivering aggressive off-road traction with durable on-road handling.
• ROAD VENTURE MT71 Mud Terrain tire with aggressive tread pattern delivering off-road traction, stone ejector bars, and durable design.
• CRUGEN HT51 Commercial Commercial Highway Terrain tire designed for heavy-duty light truck commercial applications.
• KLS12e (Smartway Certified) Line Haul steer axle tire with SmartWay certification for fuel-efficient commercial fleet operations.
• KLD11e (Smartway Certified) Line Haul drive axle tire with SmartWay certification for low rolling resistance.
• KLD02e (Smartway Certified) Line Haul drive axle tire with SmartWay certification for commercial fleet efficiency.
• KLT12e Line Haul trailer axle tire for commercial trucking applications.
• KXD12e Super Regional drive axle tire for commercial trucking.
• KRS12e Regional Haul steer axle tire for commercial fleet operations.
• KRS02 Regional Haul steer axle tire for commercial trucking.
• KRS03 Pickup and Delivery steer axle tire for commercial applications.
• KRD23 Regional Haul drive axle tire for commercial trucking operations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10% improvement in tread life with HDM Silica compound technology in Road Venture HT
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Georgia Veterans Service FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 May 2026Formalized long-term partnership through Memorandum of Understanding to support Georgia's approximately 680,000 veterans and their families. Kumho Tire USA and the Georgia Department of Veterans Service also participate as named partners. The three organizations commit to identifying and delivering programs that create meaningful impact for the veteran community.
• Georgia Department of Veterans ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 May 2026Named partner in the three-way MOU with Kumho Tire USA and Georgia Veterans Service Foundation to support Georgia's veteran community.
• Atlanta HawksflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 May 2026Official tire sponsor of the Atlanta Hawks. Kumho Tire Night at State Farm Arena featured GVSF representatives as Co-Captains, reflecting the spirit of recognition and partnership.
• Tire Industry AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2026Five-year pledge of $25,000 ($5,000 per year) to the TIA Tire Industry Scholarship program administered through the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. Program awards $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing education or trade programs related to the tire and automotive service industry.
• Formula DRIFTflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2026Three-year sponsorship extension making Kumho Tire an Official Tire sponsor through 2029. Kumho supports six professional drift drivers (Jeff Jones, Andy Hateley, Rome Charpentier, Jack Shanahan, Ryan Litteral, Cody Buchanan) competing in the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship using KUMHO Ecsta V730 tires.
• Major League Baseball (6 Ballparks)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 March 2026Home plate signage advertising program at six major league ballparks for 2026 season including Angel's Stadium, Busch Stadium, Chase Field, Citizens Bank Park, Comerica Park, and Great American Ball Park. Second consecutive year of the initiative targeting markets with high growth potential.
• Off-Road Racing Drivers (Stephen 'Woody' Rose Jr., Eric Wikle, Mark Duval)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 February 2026Kumho Tire USA returned to off-road racing by sponsoring three drivers to compete in Johnson Valley, California extreme off-road race. Drivers tested Road Venture MT71 mud-terrain tires in brutal terrain combining high-speed desert racing with technical rock crawling.
• Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill ClimbcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026Partnership includes the inaugural Gaining Traction Program selecting four Colorado-based emerging racers (Matus Huska, Earl O'Maley, Ernie Ramirez, Ben Ryan) to receive financial support, Kumho V730 tires, and driver development resources. Kumho also sponsors the 2026 Rookie of the Year award.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Falken Tire (Sumitomo Rubber): Value-oriented passenger and light truck/SUV tire brand from Sumitomo Rubber; competes directly with Kumho in the premium-alternative segment and shares motorsport-driven brand positioning (e.g., off-road and drifting).
• Toyo Tires: Asian-headquartered tire maker with a meaningful US manufacturing footprint and a comparable enthusiast/motorsport-supported brand, competing across passenger, performance, and light truck/SUV categories.
• Hankook Tire & Technology: South Korean-headquartered global tire manufacturer with a strong US presence; competes head-to-head with Kumho in passenger, light truck/SUV, and EV tires through a similar authorized dealer network and OE programs with major automakers.
• Nexen Tire: Korean tire manufacturer with comparable value/premium-alternative positioning in the US; offers overlapping passenger, SUV, and light truck portfolios and supplies OE tires to similar mass-market and EV OEMs.
• Cooper Tire (Goodyear subsidiary): US-headquartered tire manufacturer competing across passenger, light truck/SUV, and commercial segments; now part of Goodyear, it targets similar value-conscious consumers and OE customers as Kumho.
• Yokohama Tire: Japanese tire maker with overlapping passenger, performance, light truck, and commercial offerings; comparable mid-tier/premium-alternative brand positioning and OE relationships with US and Japanese OEMs.

Broad incumbents

• Michelin: Global tier-1 tire leader with premium brand pricing and full portfolio coverage; competes against Kumho in passenger, performance, light truck, commercial, and EV tires but with much larger scale and R&D.
• Bridgestone Americas: World's largest tire maker with broad passenger, light truck/SUV, and commercial offerings; primary premium-tier competitor across all of Kumho's key US segments.
• Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company: Tier-1 incumbent with comprehensive passenger, light truck, and commercial truck/bus tire portfolios; competes across Kumho's full range and owns adjacent brands like Cooper.
• Continental Tire the Americas: Premium-tier tire manufacturer with strong OE presence; competes in passenger, light truck, EV, and commercial categories and shares key OE customers (BMW, VW, GM, Mercedes-Benz) with Kumho.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kumhotireusa
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/kumhotireusa
• Facebookfacebook.com/kumhotire
• Instagraminstagram.com/kumhotireusa

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kumho Tire USA