Kumho Tire, Lotte Innovate enter ‘smart tire technology’ partnership

Brussels – Kumho Tire and South Korea’s Lotte Innovate have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop and demonstrate smart tire technology for autonomous vehicles.

Under the agreement, Kumho will supply tires and a “smart tire system” for use in Lotte Innovate’s autonomous vehicle platforms.

The system is designed to monitor tire pressure, temperature and wear in real time, transmitting data via in-tire sensors and an in-vehicle wireless communication device, said Kumho 20 Jan.

As part of the cooperation, Kumho will supply its “EnnoV” tire, developed for electric vehicles, alongside the smart tire system.

According to the companies, the technology is intended to support optimal air-pressure management, provide real-time tire condition information and help reduce accident risk, fuel consumption and tire replacement costs.

“Kumho Tire is comprehensively reviewing the application of new platforms to provide customers with safe and economical mobility,” said Kim Young-jin, executive director of Kumho Tire’s R&D division.

The collaboration, he added, will help “enhance the perfection of our smart tire technology” and strengthen competitiveness for the autonomous driving era.

Kumho Tire said it is already deploying smart tire solutions in commercial applications.

In 2024, the company signed a supply contract with Suncheon Transportation and launched a commercial tire information management system incorporating bus fleet management functions.

The technology has also been applied to AGT railway vehicles and demonstrated on the 'Uijeongbu U-line' route.