South Korean tyre manufacturer Kumho has expanded its European Technical Centre (KETC) with the setting up of an innovative new tyre testing facility at Papenburg in Lower Saxony, Germany.

The company says, with an expanding portfolio of OE contracts and numerous new products for the European aftermarket, KETC is currently testing upwards of 3,000 tyres per annum. The self-contained 1,000 square metre premises will house all the required tyres and wheel rims, plus the nine-strong test team. The related proving ground has been particularly designed to encompass: Subjective handling, wet handling characteristics, aquaplaning, driving comfort, interior/exterior noise, and braking on all surfaces. These activities will be supported by hi-tech novel GPS-based measurement systems and digital evaluation of the tyre footprints.

The new centre will manage all KETC’s outdoor test requirements, while any additional needs will be catered for by a mix of the facilities at Idiada (Spain), Nardo (Italy), Nürburgring (Germany) and Ivalo (Finland).

Commenting on the new resource at Papenburg, KETC’s Manager of Outside Testing, Sven Rath, said: “The creation of this self-contained test centre is another important milestone in our latest product strategy, and invaluable in terms of our research and product development for the European market.”