South Korea’s second largest tire maker Kumho Tire announced Thursday that it has been supplying tires for Mercedes-Benz’s New G-Klasse sport utility vehicle, suggesting gradual normalization in its business on management stability and fresh capital from its new largest shareholder Doublestsar Tyre. .

The company has already started shipping SUV-exclusive tire Solus KL21, its best-selling model to the luxury German automaker, the Korean tire maker said. Solus KL21 is a high-performance product boasting high durability and wear resistance, which can run in various driving conditions. The wide tread tires show high resistance, driving power and stability, and by using special chemical, it also enhances fuel economy.

The Mercedes-Benz’s New G-Klasse is a full-change model in 40 years of the G-Klasse, premium SUV that has been gaining popularity around the world since its launch in 1979.

The tire maker has also been offering its products to BMW’s 5 series, another German luxurious car brand.

The company hopes for a turnaround after making losses for seven quarters in a row until the third quarter last year, by winning supply deals from global finished carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Chrysler, GM and Ford.

It barely avoided bankruptcy program after Qingdao-based Doublestar Tyre purchased a controlling 45 percent stake in its larger Korean rival for 646.3 billion won last year. Kumho Tire lost many of its clients amid prolonged insecurity in management.

By Yong Hwan-jin and Choi Mira

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]