The Kumho ECSTA KH11 ultra-high performance touring tire has been chosen by the Chrysler Group to be original equipment on the 2007 Chrysler Sebring.
The Kumho ECSTA KH11, size 215/55R18, will be the top-of-the-line plus-size option on the Chrysler Sebring in international markets, the company reports. The vehicle will go on sale outside the U.S. starting in the first quarter of 2007.
This represents Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc.'s first original equipment contract with a U.S. auto manufacturer.
"Since coming to the U.S. marketplace in 1975, Kumho has focused 100% on the replacement tires business,” said David Hudrlik, Kumho’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We now have a distribution network of warehouses and dealers throughout the country, and in the last couple of years we’ve increased our capacity by building new plants. Now that we have sufficient plant capacity and a national dealer network in place, we’re actively pursuing original equipment business with U.S. automakers."
The tire delivers optimum handling without sacrificing ride comfort, reports Kumho. It offers three-season performance in both wet and dry conditions.
Rick Brennan, brand director for Kumho Tire U.S.A., pointed out that this new fitment with the international version of the Chrysler Sebring is another step in the continuing development of the Kumho brand.
“Capturing an OE fitment with a U.S.-based auto manufacturer is a big step for Kumho,” he said. “Partnering with Chrysler Group brings additional credibility to Kumho and opens the door for us to have more OE fitments with other U.S. automakers.”
Brennan said that Kumho will announce additional OE fitments with U.S. manufacturers in the coming months. Kumho currently has OE fitments with Volkswagen, Fiat, Kia and Hyundai outside the U.S.
Kumho isn't the only OE tire on the 2007 Sebring. Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC recently announced it will supply the Sebring Sedan with Firestone FR690 tires, and the Chrysler Sebring Touring and Chrysler Sebring Limited with Bridgestone Turanza EL40002 tires.
