Kumho and Michelin are both global tyre brands that have unique journeys and achievements.
Michelin is one of the world's pioneering tyre companies and was founded in France in 1889. Convinced of rubber's promising future, its owners first came out with a brake pad for horse-drawn carriages before inventing its first modern tyre two years later. Its initial product was a detachable bike tyre glued and dried on the bicycle before Michelin's intervention. As the company moved on to automotive tyres, it became a regular in racing events and driving milestones. One was the first car to breach 100 kph, equipped with Michelin tyres, in 1899.
Kumho began in 1960 in South Korea. When it celebrated its 50th year, it had already snagged the top spot in Korea's Customer Satisfaction Index for six straight years in the passenger car tyre segment. Through the years, it continued to gain its local customers' trust while supplying Original Equipment (OE) tyres to prestigious carmakers like Mercedes Benz. Two years after it formed its racing team, Kumho opened its first US plant, which widened its OE portfolio, including BMW, Volkswagen and many others.
Michelin is a long-established brand with a rich history marked by prestige and solid reliability, while Kumho is a newer kid on the block. Still, because of its notable product features such as high performance, environmental awareness, and affordability, it has been steadily gaining a solid client base worldwide.
Michelin : Constant Innovation
How does Michelin manage to stay on top centuries after its establishment? The answer lies in its adaptability. The company focuses on product advancement, thanks to its nine research and development (R&D) facilities spread across the globe. Most of the brand's R&D is conducted in the Ladoux Technology Centre, its 450 hectares housing over 3,000 employees and 70 building tracks.
Michelin is highly visible in the global market, with over a hundred production sites in 26 countries, employing hundreds of thousands of workers globally. It takes pride in its commercial presence on all continents.
Because of its strong customer-centric approach, Michelin constantly innovates its offerings while streamlining operations for better efficiency and productivity. Some of its most recent initiatives are partnering with a delivery company to test its puncture-proof tyres and establishing its startup, AirCaptif, which focuses on inflatable structures.
Choose Michelin if classic reliability and a premium quality rate high are your tyre shopping priorities.
Specifically designed for the needs of crossover SUV vehicles.
★★★★★(5)
"Very happy! Quiet tyre, comfortable ride, good grip (I don’t race the car, but I don’t drive like a grandpa either), they feel very safe in the wet also."- Daniel M.
Offers silence, comfort and safety as well as excellent handling in wet conditions.
UTQG: 340 A A ★★★★★(5)
"These tyres have made a massive difference to my car's response. I never realised just how crucial it was to have premium tyres. Very happy. And thanks for the awesome deal"- Mark W
Experience an exhilarating drive with this high performance, summer tyre specially designed for sports coupes, performance sedans and supercars. UTQG: 300 A A ★★★★★(5)
"Fantastic tyres with unbelievable wet grip. Fitted to a Toyota 86 GTS on 18" wheels." - Andrew G.
The benchmark for UHP tyres for sports cars, performance sedans and powerful luxury vehicles.
UTQG: 300 AA A ★★★★☆(4.8) "My car is very predictable to drive with these tyres, tyre wear is good, the only downside is the cost of these tyres." - Richard M
This is a fuel-efficient & super eco-friendly tyre with excellent grip on both wet and dry roads.
UTQG: 340 A A ★★★★☆(4.9) "Michelin makes the best tyre for modern sedans. It's too early to make a judgement about wear rate, but I am so far well satisfied."- Peter B.
Kumho is also a known innovator that aims to live up to its latest concept of "Your SMART Mobility Partner." In 2022, it unveiled concept tyres that embodied cutting-edge technologies and future trends in the automotive industry. One of these is the puncture-resistant airless tyre specially designed for autonomous and electric vehicles. Its eco-friendly materials lessen the carbon footprint, while its unique design promotes high-speed stability up to 160 km/hr.
Kumho has a wide range of tyres for different driving needs.
If affordability and top-ranking innovation score high in your book, go for Kumho Tyres.
Crugen - SUV tyres that offer superior comfort and steering precision on the pavement
Road Venture - 4x4 tyres ready for off-road exploration, thanks to their excellent grip and traction.
Solus - everyday tyres built for the rigours of daily commute.
Ecsta - high-performance tyres that give you a racing-inspired driving experience.
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Its expansion in the global market proves that Kumho is ready to give its customers safe and convenient mobility through innovation. Its R&D centres located in the US, Germany, China, and Korea are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that allows Kumho to generate world-class and forward-looking tyres constantly.
Michelin Reviews
Kumho Tyre Product Range - starts at $40
Crugen
For premium SUV tyres driven by today’s cruising generation
Road Venture
Offers excellent off-road traction for your rugged adventures
Solus
Superb daily dependability for standard all-season driving
Ecsta
Ultra-high-performance tyres to satisfy your need for speed
Breeze through long highway drives with this all-season touring tyre for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks.
UTQG 440 A A ★★★★★ (5 stars) "“Very happy my car has been so much quieter and more responsive under braking in wet and dry. I would definitely recommend them to anyone with an SUV at great value for money.” - Samantha H.
This ultra-high-performance summer tyre, designed for passenger cars, displays exceptional high-speed stability.
UTQG 460 A A ★★★★★ (5 stars) "“Had Kumho's on a few cars in the past and they were fantastic on grip on road and off road so it was a simple choice to go with these again. they grip so well, really quiet.” - Rick S.
Explore new terrains with this tyre, which promises exceptional traction on uneven tracks and surprising comfort on the highway.
UTQG 540 A A ★★★★★ (5 stars)
“So far I am impressed with the lack of road noise compared to the AT61 which I had before. Overall I am impressed with Kumho AT tyres, this is my third set.” - Timothy S.
While Michelin is more established, Kumho is gaining a solid clientele looking for more competitively priced tyres.
Both brands are both ecologically aware. Michelin considers itself a leader in "sustainable mobility" and aims to make its tyres fully sustainable by 2050. In 2022, it was the first to produce a tyre of almost 60% sustainable components and was sanctioned for on-road driving. On the other hand, Kumho is committed to reducing its use of raw materials, managing pollutants in its processes, and collecting used tyres for recycling.
Whether you choose Michelin or Kumho, you're sure to get tyres that were developed with high technology and environmental concern.
Choose Your Michelin or Kumho Tyres At Tyroola!
Visit our Michelin and Kumho tyre sections to read up on best-selling products, prices, tyre features, and customer reviews. Happy shopping!
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