Chrysler selects Nexen tires for 200, Dodge Avenger

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich.—Chrysler Group L.L.C. has selected South Korea's Nexen Tire Corp. as an original equipment tire supplier for the 2014 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger, according to Nexen Tire America Inc.

The contract is Nexen's second OE fitments in North America. The company also supplies the U.S. assembly plant of South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co.

Chrysler will fit the Nexen CP671 high-performance all-season tire size to the two models, which are based on the same platform. Chrysler lists P225/55R17 as the standard fitment and P225/50R18 as the optional fitment for both the 200 and Avenger.

Besides the Nexen CP671, Chrysler lists the Michelin Primacy MXV4 as a standard fitment and the Goodyear Eagle LS-2 Touring as the optional tire. Chrysler also offers the Continental ProContact Touring on the Avenger.

The CP671 is built with four circumferential grooves in the tread for anti-hydroplaning performance and other features for noise suppression and comfort enhancement, according to Nexen. The tire carries a UTQG rating of 400 AA.

The tire also is fitted OE on the Kia Optima, Soul and Sportage, and Hyundai Veloster and Elantra Touring.

Nexen said Chrysler's selection of it as an OE supplier recognizes Nexen's technical skills and ability to supply Chrysler effectively.

The tire maker and Chrysler are discussing additional passenger and light truck tire fitments for next year and beyond, Nexen said.

Key personnel from Nexen and Chrysler—including Chrysler Executive Vice President-Quality Doug Betts, Chrysler Executive Vice President-Manufacturing Scott Garberding, Nexen Tire Corp. Tire CEO Hyun Bong Lee and and Nexen Tire President and COO Travis Kang—gathered recently at Chrysler's assembly plant in Sterling Heights to mark the occasion.

Lee noted that the opening two years ago of Nexen's Changnyeong, South Korea, plant has been a catalyst for OE supply discussions with various vehicle makers and said this deal represents "just one outcome of a successful partnership," and Nexen expects "to see further growth in the near future."

The 200 and Avenger sedans come in three trim levels—LX, Touring and Limited for the 200 and SE, SXT and R/T for the Avenger—each of which has a distinct engine package and tire size specified.

Nexen earlier this year earned a top 10 spot in J.D. Power and Associates' U.S. OE tire satisfaction study, based on its business with Kia and Hyundai.