RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2010) — Chrysler Group L.L.C. has selected Kumho Tire Co. Inc.'s Eco Solus KL21 ultra-high-performance tire as an OE fitment for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee shipped to markets outside of North America.
Chrysler will equip Grand Cherokees headed to countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East with the KL21 in sizes 265/60R18 or 265/50R20. Manufactured with a silica-based rubber compound, the tire enhances wet road performance, improves fuel efficiency and boasts fair handling and reduced noise, Kumho said.
Kumho's relationship with Chrysler dates back to 2006, when the Rancho Cucamonga-based tire maker first offered the Ecsta KH11 UHP tire as an option on the international version of the 2007 Chrysler Sebring. It was the company's first OE fitment contract with a U.S. auto maker.
“Kumho Tire has already gained a strong market confidence in North America, the biggest tire market in the world, by being one of the top five manufacturers in the replacement equipment tires market, including UHP tires,” said Son Doo-hyung, Kumho Tire USA Inc.'s senior vice president of OE sales. “We will continue to actively target the global OE market for premium vehicles and expand partnerships with overseas auto makers.”