Kumho launches commercial LT, performance tire lines

ATLANTA — Kumho Tire Co. Inc. is launching two products for the North American market, the Crugen HT51 commercial all-season light truck tire and the Ecsta V730 performance passenger line.

Kumho said the Crugen HT51 is designed for commercial vans and transporters. Its five-rib tread design features a stiff center block design that Kumho said provides improved stability and enhanced dry traction.

The tire has four wide, circumferential grooves to increase hydroplaning resistance by creating a vortex effect, while 3D zigzag sipes provide biting edges for better traction and stability on snowy roads. Two spirally wrapped nylon cord caps reinforce two wide steel belts, enhancing the tire's handle, durability and stability at highway speeds.

Chris Han, marketing manager for Kumho Tire USA, said the commercial all-season product "was developed around our highway all-season tire and is engineered with commercial-grade technology that will allow it to perform in the passenger transportation, hauling and commercial applications."

The Crugen HT51 is available in four sizes: LT185/60R15C; LT215/85R16C; LT225/75R16C; and LT235/65R16C.

Kumho said the Ecsta V730 is designed to handle wet and dry conditions with an ultra-high grip tread compound with fine carbon black and synthetic resins that enhance handling, responsiveness and grip.

The tire's wide circumferential grooves reduce hydroplaning by evacuating water from the contact patch, while the outer block offers cornering precision and better dry road steering response. The footprint design makes the tire more durable while handling the extreme lateral cornering forces.

The Ecsta V730 is available in six sizes: 205/50R15; 225/50R16; 225/45R17; 245/45R17; 255/40R17; and 225/40R18. More sizes are planned for later this year.

Pricing information was not disclosed for either tire.

"The Ecsta V730 was bred from our highly successful Ecsta V720 OE fitment on the Dodge Viper ACR," Mr. Han said. "We are fully confident in the performance that this tire will bring to the market.