Volkswagen selects Nexen tires for best-selling model

ERJ staff report (TB)

Seoul, South Korea − Germany's Volkswagen A.G. has selected Nexen Tire Corp.'s N'Blue HD radial as an original equipment fitment on its compact Polo, starting in January 2014, according to Nexen, reported Tire Business.

The Polo, VW's smallest and best-selling model, is not sold in North America. Nexen did not say what size tire it will be supplying for the Polo, whose standard fitment is a 186/60R15. VW offers optional fitments up to 215/40R17, according to the manufacturer's online spec sheets.

Nexen describes the N'Blue HD as an eco-friendly performance tire offering "excellent steering stability." It is currently enjoying considerable popularity in global markets, including Europe, thanks to its superior performance in raising fuel efficiency, according to the tire maker.

Nexen Tire Vice Chairman Hyun-Bong Lee said the company has "met Volkswagen's strict quality standards, and now we are supplying tires to the car maker as a result of our commitment to quality and technology. We will continue to invest in R&D to expand our production capability and improve our brand value, raising our position in the global market."

In addition to the recent OE contract with Volkswagen, Nexen Tire also has won OE tire supply contracts with Chrysler Group L.L.C and Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

Nexen's contract with Mitsubishi is for the 2014 Outlander Sport, a compact crossover-utility vehicle being produced at the company's Normal, Illinois, plant.

The fitment is for Nexen's N'Priz RH1 and RH7 models, in sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches (40.64cm to 45.72cm) in rim diameter.

In addition, Chrysler selected Nexen's CP671 high-performance all-season as an OE tire fitment for the 2014 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger. Chrysler lists P225/55R17 as the standard fitment and P225/50R18 as the optional fitment for both the 200 and Avenger.