For the fifth year in succession Kumho has been honoured with a prestigious Red Dot Design Award, a feat that’s unmatched by its fellow Korean tyre manufacturers and further endorses the company’s renowned design capabilities. Kumho’s winning entries within the product design category were the K-Silent Tyre and Road Venture MT51.
Held by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany since 1955, the Red Dot Design Award pays tribute to winners in the three categories of product, communication and concept. It is recognised as one of the world’s top three design awards, together with the International Forum Design (iF), also of Germany, and the International Design Award (IDEA) of the United States.
The advanced technology of the K-Silent Tyre that was introduced in certain global markets in June 2015 reduces the noise of air vibration in a tyre. Known as resonance noise, it is caused by friction between the tyre and the ground. Kumho was the first to develop such technology, dubbed the K-Silent system, and has obtained a Korean patent for the design and related noise-absorbing components – patents for the proprietary technology are currently being sought in other countries.
The mud terrain Road Venture MT51 is intended for both on- and off-road use and underwent testing on all manner of surfaces in the Australian outback – it has subsequently been well received by SUV and pickup truck owners alike. The zigzag tread blocks have been designed to cope with rocky roads and help prevent stones and mud from becoming stuck in the grooves.
“The Red Dot Award ceremony is one of the world’s largest gatherings for those involved in industrial design. The receipt of the Award for a fifth consecutive year is welcome independent recognition of the competitiveness of our designs,” said Jeong Taek-Gyun, Senior Managing Director of Kumho’s R&D headquarters. “We will continue to build on our capabilities in design and all other areas of tyre technology in order to further enhance our brand image.”
