Kumho unveils new European test centre

ERJ staff report (PR)

Sutton, UK - Kumho’s European Technical Centre (KETC) has established a new tire-testing facility at Papenburg in Lower Saxony, Germany to help develop its position in the European market.

KETC said it is currently testing around 3,000 tires a year to support its portfolio of OE contracts and new product introductions for the European aftermarket.

The new self-contained 1,000 square metre premises houses tires and wheel rims, and is staffed by a nine-strong test team. The related proving ground is designed to assess: Subjective handling; Wet-handling characteristics; Aquaplaning; Driving comfort; Interior/exterior noise; and Braking.

Tire-testing activities at Papenburg will be supported by GPS-based measurement systems and digital evaluation of the tire footprints, said a 13 Aug Kumho announcement.

The centre, it added, will manage KETC’s outdoor test requirements, while any additional needs will be catered for by facilities at Idiada, Spain; Nardo, Italy; Nürburgring, Germany; and Ivalo, Finland.

“The creation of this self-contained test centre is another important milestone in our latest product strategy, and invaluable in terms of our research and product development for the European market,” said Sven Rath, KETC’s manager of outside testing.