Kumho truck tyres see continued UK growth
Tyre manufacturer Kumho has reported that recent changes to the distribution of its truck tyre range have proven successful, with tyre wholesaler RH Claydon now distributing on its behalf throughout the UK mainland.
“Bearing in mind the companies had already enjoyed a successful working relationship for some 20 years, it comes as no surprise that the arrangement is working to everybody’s advantage,” said Kumho.
“The switch from Kumho’s direct distribution set-up has been exceptionally well managed, and customers have benefited from access to Claydon personnel five and a half days a week, plus the firm’s robust 24/7 ordering system.
“Truck tyre sales on the island of Ireland remain in the trusted hands of Kumho’s long-standing distributor, Modern Tyre Service.”
The extensive Kumho range of truck tyres has been continuously updated in recent years.
Current highlights include the extra-load, Euro 6-compliant KRS50 regional steer pattern. Initially available in just 295/80 size, it has become a prime option in the sector within which Kumho operates, the firm says, having provided a number of premium equivalents with a degree of healthy competition. It is now also available in 385/65, 315/80 and 315/70R22.5 XL sizes.
KRS50’s regional drive axle partner, KRD50, has proved to be a significant improvement over the tried and tested KRD02 pattern it replaced, the firm adds.
On average, customers have experienced a 10-15 per cent increase in mileage and improved wear performance characteristics, says Kumho. KRD50 is now offered in all the main 17.5, 19.5 and 22.5 inch drive sizes.
Relatively new to the line-up is the KRT03, featuring a deep and wide tread design for longer mileage and even wear, solid shoulder for equal contact pressure and stone ejectors in all grooves. It is available in 17.5 and 19.5 inch trailer fitments.
Recognising the ever-increasing level of demand for extra-load tyres, Kumho also now offers its multi-performance KXS10 steer pattern in XL 295/80 and 315/70R22.5 fitments.
The KXS10 tyre is said to offer excellent all-season performance across a variety of operational demands, together with increased mileage and improved handling.
Also available is the KMA12, which the firm says is regarded by many as one of the best mixed service super singles on the market, and has become a mainstay of many fleets in both trailer and steer positions.
Kumho also offers a range of tyres for the LCV sector, including the PorTran KC53. Primarily designed for the latest generation of commercial vans, it has been optimised to deliver exceptional highway performance, says the firm.
The heavy-duty KC53 features a wide tread and stable block pattern said to ensure outstanding dry handling, even in maximum load conditions.
Broad cross-grooves provide precise steering in both dry and wet conditions, while wide straight circumferential grooves minimise the risk of aquaplaning. A robust carcass results in improved traction and higher mileage, while low rolling resistance ensures optimum fuel efficiency.
KC53 is currently available in some 38 H, T, R and Q rated sizes ranging from 145R13 to 215/60R17, the latest addition to the line-up.
A relatively new pattern, the PorTran CW51 is aimed at providing light commercial vehicles with the best in traction and handling in snowy and/or icy conditions, says Kumho.
It features 3D sipes in the shoulder area for superior handling and reinforced tread blocks for improved stability, and is available in 18 sizes.
