On May 14, Kumho Tire released its first quarter report for 2025, with overall performance achieving rapid growth.
In the first quarter, Kumho Tire achieved revenue of 1206.2 billion won, a year-on-year increase of 15.5%, exceeding 1 trillion won for six consecutive quarters, and set a record high performance in the first quarter; profits reached 132.3 billion won, driven by the increase in the sales of high-end products and large-size tires, a year-on-year increase of 25.3% and a month-on-month increase of more than 30%. In the first quarter, with the accelerated implementation of the globalization strategy and the empowerment of synergy with Doublestar, Kumho Tire continued to accelerate product iteration, optimize product structure, continuously release new quality productivity momentum, and create a model for high-quality development and growth in the industry.
Technological innovation drives product structure upgrade
Relying on the world's leading AI digital twin design platform, Kumho Tire has achieved breakthroughs in both R&D efficiency and product performance. The platform makes full use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analysis, and computer-aided engineering to migrate the traditional physical tire development process to the digital space, significantly shortening the R&D cycle while effectively improving R&D quality and reducing R&D costs.
Technological innovation drives product structure upgrades. Since last year, Kumho Tire has seized the opportunity of the growing demand for high-end OE in the global market, especially in Europe and the United States, and successfully built a differentiated competitive barrier through the product strategy of "high-end OE + large size". In the first quarter, sales of large-size tires above 18 inches accounted for 42.6% (exceeding 40% for two consecutive years), setting a record high sales volume; new energy vehicle tires also continued to make progress in the OE, achieving an 18% share in the first quarter, driving up both unit prices and profits.
Globalization drives growth in three major markets
Kumho Tire continues to deepen its global development strategy, breaking through with "global R&D + localized marketing", building a world-leading intelligent manufacturing and supply chain system, and providing strong support for the growth of performance throughout the year.
In the European market, Kumho Tire, based on local user needs, launched a series of highly differentiated, competitive and high-quality new products such as "WinterCraft WP52+" and "Ecsta Sports S" in the first quarter of this year. In the first quarter of this year, Kumho Tire entered the market with high-end new products and, relying on its advantages in supporting new energy vehicle models and localized sales network, its sales in the European market increased by 15% year-on-year, maintaining strong growth.
In the North American market, by adjusting tariff response strategies and collaborating with dealers, sales increased by 31% year-on-year, further increasing market share.
In the Asian market, especially in China, Kumho Tire still maintains a rapid growth momentum. In the first quarter, Kumho Tire launched its high-end product "SOLUS ADVANCE" in South Korea, which improved the user's driving experience and effectively reduced fuel consumption, and was recognized by users and the market. In the Chinese market, it increased the sales share of its flagship product EnnoV series new energy tires, with sales increasing by 18% year-on-year.
In addition, since the beginning of this year, Kumho Tire has continued to expand its synergy with Doublestar, especially in the areas of global capacity layout and global supply chain management. Combined with the advantages of capacity release at Kumho Vietnam and Doublestar Cambodia factories, revenue and profits have been further increased.
Kumho Tire said it will continue to improve the production efficiency of its eight production bases around the world and plans to continue to expand production capacity. At the same time, it will continue to strengthen its brand, products, technology, operations and other aspects to further enhance product added value and strengthen its position in the global market.
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