Hankook, Kumho, Nexen earn Red Dot honors

ESSEN, Germany—South Korea's three major tire makers—Hankook Tire Co. Ltd., Kumho Tire Co. Inc. and Nexen Tire Corp.—each received 2016 Red Dot Awards recently for tire design.

The Red Dot Design Awards, which honor outstanding design, communication and concept for innovative products in three categories, are the domain of Germany's Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, which has bestowed the awards since 1955.

The winning entries are: Hankook's DynaSYNC off-road concept; Kumho's K-Silent Tire and Road Venture MT51; and Nexen's “Green Hive” tire.

Hankook's DynaSYNC tire, developed in collaboration with Vibram S.p.A., a premium shoe outsole company, received a Red Dot nod in design concept.

DynaSYNC represents Hankook's next generation off-road tires and features Vibram's Carrarmato lugs design on its tread pattern. This helps improve traction in mountainous terrain.

The tire's honeycomb structure grooves prevent puncture or tire chips due to gravel or stones and improves shock absorption while providing for powerful and safe handling. The sidewall comes in a variety of color compounds, allowing car owners to match the tires to their car's body color.

“It is great honor that Hankook Tire once again has been recognized for its innovative technology by the prestigious Red Dot Design Award,” Seung Hwa Suh, vice chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire, said in a statement.

“Receiving the award solidifies Hankook Tire's commitment and determination to lead future driving through progressive innovation and creative design. Hankook Tire will continue to contribute to advancement in driving with aspiration for innovative technology.”

This Red Dot recognition is the fourth award that Hankook Tire received for international design awards this year.

Kumho's K-Silent Tire and Road Venture MT51 received Red Dot nods in the product design category, marking the fifth consecutive year the company has received recognition, the first Korean tire maker so honored.

K-Silent tires reduce resonance noise caused by friction created when the tire makes contact with the ground, the company said. Since the tires' release last year, Kumho has continued to develop the noise-reducing technology that goes into the K-Silent system, obtaining one patent for design materials and noise-absorbing components. The company said it is working to secure patents in other countries for the innovative technology.

Kumho's Road Venture MT51 is designed to handle harsh conditions while maintaining a comfortable ride both on and off the road. The sidewall design enhances grip in deep mud or over rocks, while the full-depth, circumferential, zigzag grooves increase traction and employ store ejection technology, Kuhmo claims.

"The Red Dot Award is one of the world's largest venues for exchanges among those interested in industrial design. The receipt of the award for five consecutive years is yet another recognition of the competitiveness of our designs," said Jeong Taek-Gyun, senior managing director at Kumho Tire research and development headquarters. “We will continue to build our capabilities in all areas of tire technology including design in order to enhance our brand image.”

Nexen's “Green Hive” tire, meanwhile, was honored in the design concept category, marking the third consecutive year that the tire has received recognition for its environmentally friendly design.

“Being the recipient of multiple world class global design awards highlights Nexen Tire's capabilities. We will continue to innovate and grow into a world leader in the international tire market,” said Han Min-hyun, Nexen Tire vice president and research and development director.

Min-hyan also added that Nexen is committed to pioneering additional products through its continual research and design efforts.

The Green Hive design features a unique tread replenishment technology that allows customers to purchase and replace depleted treads on a continual basis. Because of its replacement options and long life, the Green Hive received high scores the areas of innovation, eco-friendliness and economic feasibility. It also has been recognized for presenting a new paradigm in a conventional tire market.