Kumho supplying Big Apple taxi fleet

ERJ staff report (TB)

Rancho Cucamonga, California -- New York City's taxicabs will be swerving through traffic on Kumho-brand tyres under a new supply agreement, according to Kumho Tire USA Inc.

The US subsidiary of Kumho Tire Co. Inc. is providing replacement tyres to the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (NYTLC), an agency that regulates the city's taxicabs. About 1500 yellow taxicabs currently operate in Manhattan.

“We have supplied 2000 tyres to NYTLC since 2008, and we will continue to provide our products through local distributors for years to come,” said a Kumho Tire official.

Kumho attributed the business relationship “to strategically tapping into the public sector niche while the US auto industry was in turmoil as top auto makers decided to cut back. The (South) Korean tyre company also recognises that the northeast region of the US is a key area for the auto industry, where it will focus on building stable sales channels and other basis in order to set a foothold for future growth.”

In a statement, J.B. Kim, president of Kumho Tire USA, said: “In order to reinforce its worldwide status, Kumho Tires is competing with global tyre companies such as Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli in the world´s most fierce battle ground, New York City. It is a significant achievement for Kumho Tires to have Korean products equipped on Yellow Cab of New York City.”

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)