Kumho Tire and Autonomous A2Z Join Forces for Autonomous Driving Technology Development

Collaboration on Autonomous Vehicle Tire Technology Development and More

Kumho Tire and AtoZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development and supply of future autonomous vehicle tire technology on the 12th at Kumho Tire headquarters located in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. Photo by Kumho Tire

Kumho Tire is embarking on a strategic collaboration with Autonomous A2Z, a leading company in autonomous driving technology.

On the 12th, Kumho Tire and Autonomous A2Z signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Kumho Tire headquarters in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, for the development and supply of future-oriented tire technology for autonomous vehicles. The two companies will cooperate on the development of autonomous vehicles and jointly develop and supply smart tires and airless tires.

Autonomous A2Z recently ranked 11th among global autonomous driving technology companies, making it the only Korean company to enter the top tier. Through this partnership, Kumho Tire will supply tires for the Korean Level 4 autonomous vehicle 'ROii,' which will be showcased on the global stage at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held in Gyeongju in October.

This project has been selected as a 'Real Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration R&D Project' led by the Ministry of Science and ICT. The project is jointly planned by companies and the government, with government-funded research institutes collaborating on research and development and committing to technology transfer. This model goes beyond simple technology development, serving as a new growth engine R&D initiative that supports technologies needed in real society at the national level.

Through this project, Kumho Tire plans to commercialize future-oriented tires applicable to Level 4 or higher autonomous vehicles within four years. In particular, smart sensor-based tire technology and airless tire technology are expected to dramatically enhance the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles.

Jung Iltaek, CEO of Kumho Tire, stated, "In the evolution of future mobility, tires are no longer just components that support driving; they have become core technologies that determine vehicle performance, safety, and energy efficiency. Kumho Tire will strive to expand future-oriented mobility functionality based on differentiated technology and data-driven engineering."

Meanwhile, the autonomous shuttle 'ROii' is nearing commercialization based on government certification, and Autonomous A2Z is preparing to operate it not only at the 2025 APEC Summit but also in Cheonggyecheon.