Kumho Tire and Lotte Innovate Collaborate on Autonomous Driving and Smart Tire Technology

On January 21, Kumho Tire announced that it had signed a mutual technical improvement memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Lotte Innovate to promote the demonstration of autonomous vehicles and smart tire technology.

Through this MOU, Kumho Tire will supply tires for Lotte Innovate's autonomous vehicles and provide a "smart tire system" that informs drivers of the tire condition. The MOU signing ceremony, held on January 20 at Lotte Innovate headquarters in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, was attended by Song Kangjong, Executive Director of Product Development Division 3 at Kumho Tire, and Yoon Tae-eun, Executive Director of the Mobility Division at Lotte Innovate's CX Headquarters, among others.

Under this agreement, Kumho Tire plans to supply its electric vehicle tire "EnnoV." The smart tire system provided by Kumho Tire uses a sensor module mounted inside the tire and a wireless communication device in the vehicle to measure air pressure, temperature, and wear during driving, providing drivers with optimal air pressure monitoring and real-time status information. This helps prevent accidents in advance and reduces both fuel consumption and tire replacement costs.

Kim Youngjin, Executive Vice President of Research and Development at Kumho Tire, stated, "Kumho Tire is actively exploring the application of new platforms to provide customers with safe and economical mobility in line with the rapidly evolving mobility industry environment. Through collaboration with Lotte Innovate, we will enhance the completeness of our smart tire technology and build competitiveness to prepare for the era of autonomous driving."

Kumho Tire is providing solutions to enhance the safety and efficiency of vehicle operation through its smart tire system. In 2024, the company signed a supply contract with Suncheon Transportation and is operating a commercial service for a tire information management system that includes bus fleet management functions. The system has also been expanded to AGT rail vehicles and its performance has been demonstrated on the Uijeongbu ULINE route.