Kumho shows SUV concept using recycled rubber

ERJ staff report (DS)

Birmingham, UK -- Kumho Tyres has demonstrated a concept sport-utility vehicle using body panels made from recycled tyre rubber, among other innovations. The company has flexed its green muscles through in-house designer, Rob Dolton, to demonstrate exactly what tomorrow's SUVs could be like - the intriguing result is Fortis!

The bumper sections, doors, bonnet, front wings and rear hatch which are manufactured from recycled tyre rubber.

The Fortis also boasts revolutionary tyre technology. Currently, the only way an SUV will provide optimum performance both on and off-road is to change the tyres for each requirement. The Fortis, however, allows its driver to specify the performance required from just one set of tyres by having a tread pattern that can be adjusted -- said Kumho -- at will.

The tyres feature metal biters in their tread that optimise off-road performance - when employed, it is primarily they that grip the terrain for maximum traction and durability. For on-road use, the tyre cavity is inflated. This expands the rubber areas of the tyre to cover the metal biters, offering high levels of comfort, noise performance and road-biased dynamic ability.

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Press release from Kumho UK