Kumho Tire announced that it is supplying OE tires for the 2018 Atlas, a newly-launched large SUV from Volkswagen. The Atlas is targeted mainly for the North American market where big SUVs such as family vans and pickup trucks are popular. The first full-size SUV from Volkswagen with room for seven is the largest-ever among SUVs produced by the automaker. Boasting 280 horsepower from a VR6 3.6L gasoline engine, the vehicle received five stars in safety tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
After two years of development followed by approval for performance, technology, and mass production, Kumho started providing Volkswagen with its tires from late last year. The 2018 Atlas will be equipped with the Crugen Premium KL33, Kumho’ best-seller in the SUV tire category.
The Crugen series was developed in line with the emergence of urban SUVs. Its excellent on-road performance including handling, braking, and stability in fast driving makes it perfect for high-end SUVs, earning rave reviews in Korea and the rest of the world as an SUV-exclusive tire brand.
The Crugen Premium, a standard SUV tire, delivers quietness and comfort commonly associated with high-end sedans. Its upgraded silica compound ensures greater fuel economy and its optimum platform offers comfort and quietness. The tyre’s tread pattern is designed to enhance driving stability and reduce abrasion.
The Atlas has been produced at a plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee since November 2016. Sold in North America as well as Latin America, the Middle East, and Russia, the car is mounted with tires manufactured at Kumho’s Gwangju plant.
“The deal is yet another recognition of our quality and technological prowess as our products are used as main tyres for a mass-produced car model,” said Cho Man-sik, a senior vice president of RE Product Development at Kumho Tire, “We will continue our efforts to develop and supply SUV tires that satisfy our customers and drivers alike as we respond to the significant growth of the SUV market.”
