Nexen strengthens ties with Kia
Nexen Tire has announced that it is expanding its supply of tires for Kia's global strategic models. As part of the development of the partnership, Nexen has started supplying its high-comfort tires, Nexen N'Fera Supreme S, for the EV6 electric car, which is produced at a plant in Georgia, USA. Nexen tires have been installed on the EV6 in South Korea and several other countries since 2021, and now they will also be equipped with cars for the North American market.
Nexen N'Fera Supreme S was developed with the features of electric vehicles in mind, and the manufacturer claims that they have an improved balance between acoustic comfort, optimal handling stability, and reduced rolling resistance. Earlier, the tires were also homologated for such key Kia models as EV3 and EV4, and Nexen notes that the expansion of supplies confirms the company's high technological competitiveness in the premium electric vehicle tire segment.
In parallel, Nexen has also started supplying Nexen Roadian HTX2 highway tires for the Kia Tasman pickup trucks intended for South Korea, the Middle East, Europe, and other markets. Previously, the tires were only installed on vehicles sold in Latin America.
The Roadian HTX2 tire was created specifically for pickup truck and SUV owners and is designed to provide reliable traction both on and off the road. In addition, the tires have been optimized to reduce noise and increase durability, and the manufacturer claims that they are effective in any conditions and in any region of the world.
Nexen collaborates with the world's largest automakers, which "highlights the reliability and technological advancement of the company's products". Since entering the primary equipment segment in 2016, Nexen has started supplying tires for vehicles with new energy sources, such as electric cars and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Currently, the company provides tires for all Kia electric vehicles, from EV3 to EV9.
"The expansion of tire supplies for Kia indicates that we continue to develop a strategic partnership with the company and strengthen our position in key global markets, including North America," said John Bosco (Hyun Suk) Kim, CEO of Nexen. "By offering high-tech tires for a wide range of vehicles, including electric cars and pickup trucks, we demonstrate the scope of our technological capabilities."