ADAC, Auto Bild highlight ECSTA performance in wet conditions and value
Škoda Enyaq and Elroq adopt PS71 SUV; Polish plant to support European OE supply
Kumho Tire is focusing more on European premium original equipment customers by pairing independent test results with new electric‑SUV fitments and a commitment to local manufacturing. The Korean manufacturer already lists Mercedes‑Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen among its global OE partners and is using recent European data and contracts to strengthen its position in the region.
In ADAC’s summer tire testing, Kumho’s ECSTA line achieved top‑tier rankings among high‑volume sizes. The ECSTA PS71 ranked 3rd out of 17 products in the 225/50 R17 Y category, while the ECSTA HS51 shared 4th place among 16‑inch tires in the same program. ADAC’s Motorwelt report on the 225/40 R18 PS71 test described the tire’s overall result as “satisfactory,” citing strengths on dry roads and in wet conditions, with wear as a relative weakness. Trade summaries note that the PS71’s wet performance, including braking, handling, and aquaplaning resistance, compared favorably with several established premium competitors.
Kumho Tire’s ultra‑high‑performance ‘ECSTA Sport’ wins the 2026 German Design Award main prize
Auto Bild’s 2025 Summer Performance Tire Test in size 225/40 R18 provided another reference point. In a two‑stage program starting with 52 candidates, the ECSTA PS71 advanced to a 13‑tire final and was named “Best value,” combining a positive overall verdict with competitive performance. The PS71 delivered balanced results in wet and dry braking and stable handling, while its driving noise was rated higher than some rivals. Kumho and its distributors cite these outcomes when approaching European automakers that value independent test data in tire nominations.
Kumho is now bringing this profile into European EV SUV programs. The company has agreed to supply its ECSTA PS71 SUV as original equipment for Škoda’s Enyaq and Elroq models, both built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric platform. Industry and company disclosures state the OE sizes are 235/55 R19 and 255/50 R19. Kumho explains that the PS71 SUV for these vehicles is based on the existing PS71 pattern, with a reinforced structure and an enlarged contact patch tailored to SUV characteristics to improve braking performance and mileage. The ECSTA PS71 lineup covers passenger cars, SUVs, and EVs, and Kumho points to the Škoda contract as evidence that the PS71 SUV meets EV‑specific requirements on a European platform.
To better serve European OEMs, Kumho is preparing its first manufacturing base in the region. The company selected Opole, Poland, as the site for its European plant, scheduled to begin operations in August 2028, subject to investment and licensing approvals. The first phase will have an annual capacity of 6 million tires, with phased expansions planned based on demand. Kumho says the new site is part of a strategy to expand its global production base and improve supply to European customers, especially for high‑value and EV‑oriented products.
Design capability offers a further reference for automakers linking tire appearance to brand identity. In 2026, Kumho’s ECSTA Sport pattern received a “Winner” distinction at the German Design Award in the Excellent Product Design category, with the jury highlighting its performance‑oriented tread design and modern sidewall treatment. The company has also earned iF Design Award and U.S. International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) recognition for concept products such as the Omni Ring modular tire, Volume, and Origami, which investigate new approaches to packaging and service for future mobility applications. Kumho says these awards demonstrate an ability to match functional tread and sidewall engineering with OEM styling requirements in collaborative projects.
By combining external test data, EV SUV fitments, and a forthcoming European plant, Kumho is presenting the ECSTA range as a candidate for a larger share of premium OE programs in Europe. The company states that it will continue to focus on wet‑grip, braking, and efficiency metrics emphasized by ADAC and Auto Bild, as European automakers refine tire specifications for both internal‑combustion and battery‑electric platforms.
By Min Byung-kwun / Park Joo-bum, KDFN
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