Hyundai Motor and Kia Join Forces with Michelin to Develop Next-Generation Tire Technology

Additional Joint Research Planned for the Next Three Years

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation are partnering with global tire manufacturer Michelin to develop tires that enhance driving performance.

On the 24th, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation announced that they had signed a technology co-development agreement with Michelin at the Namyang Research Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. With this agreement, the companies aim to secure tire technology leadership for next-generation mobility.

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation signed a technology co-development agreement with Michelin on the 24th at the Namyang Research Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. Shinyong Seok, Executive Director and Head of Genesis Design Center at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia (left), is taking a commemorative photo with George Levy, Executive Vice President of Michelin Asia Pacific Original Equipment. Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

This agreement marks the third phase of their collaboration, following the successful completion of the first and second joint research projects. In 2017 and 2022, the two companies conducted joint research to advance tire technology. Through the first and second phases, they established specifications suitable for rear-wheel drive electric vehicles, conducted research on tire wear, and achieved various results, including the development of eco-friendly tires.

Under this agreement, the companies will focus over the next three years on research to improve tire performance, develop virtual simulation technologies, and exchange technological expertise.

In the area of tire performance improvement, they will conduct joint research on advanced tire technologies that enhance vehicle driving performance, such as ultra-low rolling resistance tires and smart grip technology for vehicle control. In particular, research will focus on strengthening limit handling and braking performance to ensure stability at high speeds.

For virtual simulation technology, the goal is to advance virtual simulation for off-road tire development and to establish a virtual technology development process. The companies will also work to enhance each other's technological capabilities through mutual exchanges. Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation will operate training programs on vehicles and chassis, while Michelin will provide specialized training on tire design and evaluation.

Shinyong Seok, Executive Director and Head of Genesis Design Center at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, stated, "Through this third phase of technological collaboration, we expect to drive tire technology innovation that will lead the future mobility market. The synergy created by our specialized expertise in mobility and tires will be reflected in improved vehicle driving performance."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.