NEXEN TIREoration

What NEXEN TIREoration does

Nexen Tire Corporation is a South Korean tire manufacturer founded in 1942 and headquartered in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do. It designs, produces, and markets a comprehensive tire portfolio spanning passenger car (N'FERA Sport, N'BLUE S, N'FERA Primus), SUV (ROADIAN GTX, ROADIAN HTX 2, ROADIAN AT PRO), light truck (ROADIAN CT8, ROADIAN ATX, ROADIAN MTX), and winter segments (WINGUARD Sport 2, WINGUARD Snow'G3), plus the proprietary EV ROOT electrification technology platform. The company operates as a KOSPI-listed subsidiary (KRX:2350) of the Nexen Group conglomerate, with 5,001-10,000 employees, manufacturing facilities in South Korea and the Czech Republic, R&D centers in Korea, Germany, the USA, and China, and commercial presence across 45+ countries.

Nexen serves two distinct revenue channels: OEM direct supply to global automakers and the consumer/aftermarket replacement channel. OEM relationships include Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group, Stellantis, Hyundai, Kia, Renault Korea, and Chinese NEV manufacturers BYD, Beijing Hyundai, and Lip Motor. Aftermarket distribution flows through wholly-owned regional subsidiaries, authorized dealer networks, brand shops (notably 60+ in Malaysia), an online dealer portal, and logistics hubs (three in Australia with a fourth planned for Western Australia). Revenue is generated primarily through one-time tire sales, with a subscription-style tire rental service (Next Level) operating domestically in Korea. FY2025 revenue exceeded KRW 3 trillion (~USD 2.2 billion) and Q2 2026 reached KRW 891.3 billion (+10.8% YoY), with European quarterly revenue surpassing KRW 400 billion for the first time.

The company's growth strategy emphasizes a shift from value-tier Korean manufacturer toward "affordable premium" global positioning, executed through OE penetration at premium European brands, EV-specific product development, and manufacturing/distribution expansion in Europe and Southeast Asia. Technology differentiation is built on EV ROOT compound technology, low rolling resistance products meeting European carbon regulations, RFID lifecycle tracking via GDSO membership, and accumulating global design recognition (Red Dot, iF, IDEA, Good Design awards). Brand-building investments run through flagship sports sponsorships with Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and motorsport programs including US Formula Drift and Hyundai N Festival.

Name

NEXEN TIREoration

Legal name

NEXEN TIRE Corporation

Website

https://nexentire.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1942

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Nexen Tire Corporation is a South Korean tire manufacturer serving automotive OEMs (Porsche, Audi, BMW, BYD, Hyundai) and the global aftermarket with passenger, SUV, EV-specific, and light truck tires, supported by manufacturing in Korea and the Czech Republic.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tire Manufacturing

NAICS

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

SIC

Tires & Inner Tubes (3011), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714), 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), Tires Manufacturing (IMACAIAK)

Keywords

• Tire manufacturing
• Passenger car tires
• SUV tires
• Electric vehicle tires
• All-season tires

Headquarters

HQ city

Yangsan

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Original Equipment (OE) Tire Sales: Supplying tires as original equipment to automotive manufacturers including Audi, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, BYD, Hyundai, Kia, and others. This provides stable volume orders and serves as a credibility anchor for the replacement market.
2. Replacement/Aftermarket Tire Sales: Sales through dealer networks, brand shops, and retail distributors to individual consumers and fleet operators for tire replacement needs.
3. Tire Rental Services: Next Level tire rental service offering tire rental benefits to consumers, including promotional offerings like tire rental for blood donors.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

NEXEN TIRE Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells tires for passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, vans, and electric vehicles, organized into product families including N'FERA (ultra-high performance), N'BLUE (low rolling resistance/EV), ROADIAN (SUV/light truck all-terrain and highway), WINGUARD (winter), and N'PRIZ (comfort touring). The company supplies tires both as original equipment (OE) to global automotive manufacturers such as Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, BYD, Hyundai, and Kia, and through the aftermarket replacement market via dealer networks and brand shops in 45+ countries.

Product overview

NEXEN TIRE is a South Korean tire manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of tire products organized across multiple categories: Passenger Car tires (including N'FERA Sport, N'BLUE S, N'BLUE 4Season 2, N'FERA Primus), SUV tires (ROADIAN GTX, ROADIAN AT PRO, N'FERA RU1), Light Truck/Van tires (ROADIAN CT8, ROADIAN ATX), and Winter tires (WINGUARD Sport 2, WINGUARD Snow'G3). The company also provides EV ROOT Technology, a proprietary electrification technology for electric vehicles. NEXEN TIRE serves both original equipment (OE) suppliers to major automakers including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, and BYD, as well as the replacement market through a global distribution network. The product lineup emphasizes ultra-high-performance summer tires, all-season tires, and specialized EV-compatible tires, supported by technology for real-time tire wear monitoring via RFID.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ROADSTONE TYRE: Sub-brand mentioned in footer, related to tire products
• EV ROOT
• Nexen Universe
• Nexen Heroes
• Next Level

Products and services

• N'FERA Sport Ultra-high-performance summer tire designed for sports cars and high-performance vehicles, featuring excellent dry and wet performance, superior handling, and braking capabilities. OE-supplied to Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, BYD and other premium brands.
• N'FERA Sport SUV Ultra-high-performance tire designed for SUVs, providing sport-like handling and performance for high-end SUV models.
• N'FERA Primus UX Premium tire engineered for EVs, internal combustion engines, and SUVs, delivering optimal performance across all vehicle types with upgraded stability at high speeds and superior ride comfort.
• N'BLUE S High-performance summer tire with low rolling resistance, compatible across internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles via the EV ROOT mark. Specifically developed to meet tightened European carbon emission regulations.
• N'BLUE 4Season 2 All-season tire for European road conditions, providing year-round versatility with balanced performance across dry, wet, and snow conditions.
• N'BLUE HD Plus Premium high-performance tire offering safe driving characteristics and short braking distances on wet roads.
• N'FERA Primus Premium tire designed for luxury vehicles, recognized for outstanding stability in dry and wet conditions and low fuel consumption.
• N'FERA SU1 Sport ultra-high-performance tire with excellent dry and wet performance and handling characteristics.
• ROADIAN GTX Premium SUV and crossover all-season tire offering better comfort, low noise, and enhanced safety with maximum grip.
• ROADIAN AT PRO (RA8) Premium all-terrain tire for SUVs and light trucks with excellent off-road performance.
• ROADIAN MTX All-new mud terrain tire for SUV and light truck applications with effective grip and wear performance.
• ROADIAN HTX 2 All-round highway terrain tire for SUV and light truck with high-speed control and 2-sidewall design options.
• ROADIAN CT8 Commercial light truck tire with improved stability and long-lasting tread life.
• ROADIAN ATX All-round all-terrain tire for SUVs and light trucks with reinforced 3-ply construction and enhanced durability.
• N'PRIZ RH7 Comfort and quiet ride tire for SUVs providing a luxurious driving experience.
• ROADIAN GTX for EVs All-season tire specifically designed for electric vehicles with low rolling resistance to maximize battery efficiency.
• Next Level Tire Rental Service Tire rental service offering tire installation and rental benefits, including promotional offers such as a 60,000 won benefit for tire rental when donating blood, targeting Korean consumers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Q2 2026 revenue of KRW 891.3 billion, up 10.8% YoY
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor, strategic and flagship.

• AudicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2026OE tire supply for redesigned Audi A6 flagship sedan with N'FERA Sport ultra-high performance tires in 18-inch and 19-inch sizes. Extends existing partnership that includes A3, previous-generation A6, and other premium brands.
• BYDcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026First OE supply contract with China's largest new energy vehicle manufacturer. Nexen supplies N'Fera Sport tires for BYD Seal 6 models exported to Australia and N'Blue S tires for Dolphin Surf models exported to Europe. CEO John Bosco Kim stated the contracts demonstrate technological range and quality competitiveness.
• Renault KoreacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2026Supply agreement for factory-fitted tires on Renault Korea's new Filante crossover model. Deal covers Roadian GTX all-season tire in 19-inch configuration for domestic Korean sales and export to Latin America and Middle East. Builds on previous tire supply for Grand Koleos SUV.
• Sydney FCminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 January 2025Strategic marketing partnership with Sydney FC to expand brand presence globally, marking Nexen's entry into Australian sports marketing.
• TUHUstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with TUHU to broaden local distribution footprint in China's growing electric vehicle market, alongside expansion of tire supply partnerships with Chinese automakers including BYD, Beijing Hyundai, and Lip Motor.
• Manchester CityflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial partnership with Manchester City football club for Premier League sponsorship, one of Nexen's flagship sports marketing initiatives to build global brand awareness.
• Bayern Munich FCstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaboration with Bayern Munich Bundesliga team for sports marketing in key European market.
• Juventus FCstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Juventus Serie A football club for sports marketing in Italian market.
• Hyundai Motor CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive tire supply for Hyundai N Festival eN1 Class and naming rights sponsorship. Also OE tire supplier for STARIA Electric and Limousine models, and The New Grandeur with N'FERA Supreme S.
• Beijing HyundaicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpanding tire supply partnerships with Chinese automotive manufacturers including Beijing Hyundai for OE tires.
• Lip MotorstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpanding tire supply partnerships with Chinese automotive manufacturers including Lip Motor for OE tires in China's growing EV market.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Continental AG: European premium incumbent with strong German OEM ties (BMW, Mercedes, VW) directly overlapping Nexen's OE portfolio. Major competitor in the European replacement market where Nexen just crossed KRW 400B quarterly revenue, and a leader in winter/EV tire technology.
• Bridgestone Corporation: Global #1 tire maker with deep OEM relationships across Porsche, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz—the same premium fitments Nexen is winning. Sets the benchmark for premium pricing, motorsport marketing (F1), and replacement-channel brand power against which Nexen explicitly positions itself.
• Michelin: Global premium tire leader and one of the three incumbents Nexen names as its competitive benchmark. Competes with Nexen on OEM fitments for premium European brands, replacement-channel brand pull, and EV tire platforms (Michelin Pilot Sport EV, Primacy).
• Pirelli & C. S.p.A. Premium-tier European tire maker with strong OE fitments on Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW—the same premium programs Nexen is winning. Competes on ultra-high-performance summer and EV-specific tires (P Zero, P Zero Elect), directly targeting the N'FERA Sport segment.
• Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company: Global tire incumbent with the deepest North American manufacturing footprint—directly relevant as Nexen tries to grow its U.S. replacement presence without local plants. Overlaps on OE supply for European and Asian OEMs and on replacement-channel brand investment.

Direct peers

• Yokohama Rubber Company: Japanese tier-2 peer with parallel OE (Japanese OEMs) and replacement strategies, including EV and sustainability-focused tire development. Comparable in size, geographic spread, and motorsport-driven brand-building (WRC, Nürburgring).
• Toyo Tire Corporation: Japanese tier-2 tire manufacturer with comparable OEM presence (Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru) and global replacement distribution. Targets similar mid-premium positioning with performance and SUV product lines (Proxes, Open Country), overlapping with Nexen's N'FERA and ROADIAN ranges.
• Kumho Tire: Third major Korean tire manufacturer, traditionally positioned in similar mid-to-premium tier with overlapping OEM relationships (Hyundai/Kia) and global replacement distribution. Directly competes with Nexen on price/performance positioning and on European replacement-channel shelf space.
• Hankook Tire & Technology: South Korea's largest tire maker and Nexen's closest domestic peer. Both target OEM fitments on premium European and Korean OEMs, sell through global dealer networks, and compete head-to-head in passenger, SUV, and EV tire segments. Hankook is also pursuing motorsport-driven brand-building and EV-specific tire platforms.
• Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Dunlop/Falken): Japanese tire maker owning Dunlop and Falken brands with overlapping mid-premium positioning, OEM fitments on Japanese/European automakers, and active replacement-channel competition in Europe and ASEAN—markets where Nexen is investing in brand shops and logistics hubs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC7bke9V6vRL905dkf0jtbWw
• Facebookfacebook.com/nexentire.global
• Instagraminstagram.com/nexentirefrance_official
• Xx.com/nexentireusa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nexen-tire

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments1 record

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

Frequently asked questions about NEXEN TIREoration