Who Owns Kumho Tires?
Kumho Tire is a publicly traded South Korean tire manufacturer listed on the Korea Exchange (073240). Qingdao Doublestar, a Chinese tire group, is the largest shareholder with 45% indirect ownership acquired in 2018 and consolidated into Qingdao Doublestar's listed entity in April 2026. Kumho Tire was founded in 1960 in Seoul, South Korea, and reported record sales of KRW 4.7 trillion ($3.3 billion) in 2025. The company operates manufacturing facilities in South Korea, China, Vietnam, the United States, and Poland.
Kumho Tires Timeline
mid rangemass marketGlobalall-agessustainable manufacturingfuel efficiencyrecycled materialsenvironmental complianceOfficial Website
Who Owns Kumho Tires?
- Parent Company: Kumho Tire
- Ownership Type: Subsidiary
- Acquisition Year: 2018
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: Korea Exchange: 073240
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kumho Tires | Kumho Tire | Subsidiary |
Where to Buy
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Kumho Tires on AmazonHistory of Kumho Tires
- Founded: 1960
- Founders: Park In-chun
- Acquired by Kumho Tire: 2018
Kumho Tire was founded in 1960 by Park In-chun as part of the Kumho Asiana Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates. The company began producing tires for the growing South Korean automotive market, initially focusing on passenger vehicle tires.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Kumho expanded its manufacturing capacity and product range, establishing itself as South Korea's second-largest tire manufacturer. The company developed expertise in radial tire technology and began exporting to international markets.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Kumho expanded internationally, establishing manufacturing facilities in China and Vietnam and building distribution networks across the United States and Europe. The company also developed its motorsport presence, supplying tires for racing series including DTM and various single-seater championships.
The Kumho Asiana Group faced severe financial difficulties in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The group's transportation and construction subsidiaries accumulated significant debt, leading to a creditor-led restructuring. Kumho Tire was placed under the control of creditor banks, primarily Korea Development Bank, which sought a buyer for the tire maker.
In 2018, Doublestar Group, the parent of Qingdao Doublestar, acquired 45% of Kumho Tire for KRW 646.3 billion through the Xingwei Fund investment vehicle. The acquisition gave Doublestar effective control of Kumho Tire, though the company continued to operate independently with its own management team.
In May 2025, a major fire destroyed approximately two-thirds of Kumho Tire's Gwangju plant, one of its flagship manufacturing facilities. The fire disrupted production but the company managed to achieve record sales in 2025 by shifting production to other facilities and receiving semi-finished products from its Gokseong plant. The Gwangju plant resumed partial operations in October 2025, and the company announced plans to build a new KRW 661 billion ($390 million) factory in Hampyeong by 2027.
In April 2026, Qingdao Doublestar completed the consolidation of its 45% Kumho Tire stake into the Shenzhen-listed entity, resolving the horizontal competition issue within the Doublestar Group.
About Kumho Tire
Is Kumho Tire publicly traded?
Yes, Kumho Tire is publicly traded on the Korea Exchange under ticker 073240. The company's largest shareholder is Qingdao Doublestar Group, which acquired a 45% stake in 2018 for approximately $607 million. In February 2026, Doublestar received final approval to absorb this stake. The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and the public.
Who owns Kumho Tire?
Kumho Tire's largest shareholder is Qingdao Doublestar Group, a Chinese tire manufacturer listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Doublestar acquired a 45% stake in 2018 for approximately $607 million after Kumho's former parent, Kumho Asiana Group, collapsed financially. In February 2026, Doublestar received final regulatory approval to absorb the stake, valued at $708.2 million. Despite Chinese ownership, Kumho maintains operational independence with management based in Seoul.
When was Kumho Tire founded?
Kumho Tire was founded in 1960 by Park In-chun in Seoul, South Korea. The company began as a domestic tire manufacturer and has grown into one of the world's top 10 tire manufacturers by production volume, with over 68 million tires produced annually and distribution to over 180 countries.
What is Kumho Tire's revenue?
Kumho Tire reported revenue of approximately KRW 4.1 trillion ($2.9 billion) in 2024. The company produces over 68 million tires annually across manufacturing facilities in South Korea, China, Vietnam, India, Mexico, and the United States.
Does Kumho Tire make electric vehicle tires?
Yes, Kumho Tire has developed specialized tires for electric vehicles. These tires feature enhanced load capacity to support heavier battery weights, optimized rolling resistance to maximize range, and reinforced sidewalls to handle instant torque delivery. The technology also focuses on reducing road noise to compensate for the lack of engine noise in electric vehicles.
What are Kumho Tire's main product lines?
Kumho's main product lines include the Majesty Solus (premium touring), Crugen (SUV and crossover), Ecsta (ultra-high performance), Road Venture (all-terrain and off-road), and specialized EV tires. The company offers warranty coverage of 60,000 to 85,000 miles on most consumer products.
Where is Kumho Tire headquartered?
Kumho Tire is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company's corporate offices and primary strategic operations are based in Seoul, while manufacturing facilities are located in South Korea (Pyeongtaek, Gokseong, and Gwangju), China (Tianjin and Nanjing), Vietnam, India, Mexico, and the United States.
- Founded: 1960
- Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: Korea Exchange: 073240
- Revenue: KRW 4.1 trillion (FY2024, approximately $2.9 billion)
- Employees: Approximately 14,000
Where Is Kumho Tires Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
- Manufacturing / Operations: South Korea, China, Vietnam, United States, Poland
Kumho Tires Categories & Tags
Kumho Tires Sustainability & Ethics
Kumho Tire has received recognition for its ESG performance, though the company faces significant operational safety challenges.
EcoVadis Gold Medal: Kumho Tire achieved the Gold Medal from EcoVadis in 2024 and 2025, ranking in the top 5% among approximately 150,000 companies evaluated across environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
MSCI ESG AA Grade: Kumho Tire has maintained an AA grade in the MSCI ESG evaluation since 2022, placing it among the top performers in the automotive components sector.
CDP Recognition: Since 2022, Kumho Tire has participated in the Carbon Disclosure Project, earning an 'A-' grade for water management and 'A List' status in the Supply Chain Engagement Assessment.
Korea Sustainability Index: Kumho Tire secured the top spot in the Tire category of the Korea Sustainability Index for three consecutive years (2023-2025) at the Korea Sustainability Conference.
New Factory Environmental Design: The planned Hampyeong factory will feature smart manufacturing and eco-friendly processes, with capacity for 5.3 million tires and 7 million units of refined rubber in its first phase.
Awards & Recognition
Kumho Tire has received recognition for its ESG performance and sustainability reporting:
- EcoVadis Gold Medal (2024, 2025), top 5% of approximately 150,000 companies evaluated
- MSCI ESG AA grade (maintained since 2022)
- CDP 'A-' grade for water management; 'A List' for Supply Chain Engagement Assessment
- Korea Sustainability Index Tire category winner (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Korea Sustainability Report Awards excellence in manufacturing sector (2024, 2025)
- S&P Global CSA top 15% of auto parts companies
- Korea ESG Standards Institute 'A grade' (2025)
- ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications across manufacturing facilities
Kumho Tires Recalls & Controversies
Gwangju Factory Fire (May 2025): The most significant controversy is the May 17, 2025 fire at Kumho Tire's Gwangju plant, which destroyed approximately two-thirds of the facility (150,000 square meters). Police investigation revealed the fire was a "man-made disaster" caused by inadequate management of fire safety facilities. The fire originated from an aging industrial oven installed in 1996 that processed natural rubber, a high-risk facility for ignition. The automatic fire suppression system failed to function properly, and workers were unable to activate it manually due to gas leaking from damaged pipes. Police identified 17 fires in this oven facility over the past five years, with only two extinguished by the automatic system. Four managers, including the plant manager and fire safety manager, were charged with professional negligence resulting in injury and negligent causing of a fire. A worker in his 20s fell from the third floor during evacuation and was paralyzed from the waist down, as the area where he was located had no evacuation broadcast system. He learned of the fire 22 minutes after it started, via an SNS message from another worker.
Solus TA11 Tire Recall (2026): In early 2026, Kumho Tire Co., Inc. (KTCI) announced a recall of specific units of the Solus TA11 tire in size 225/60R16 due to a tread separation defect. The tires may not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 139. Tread separation at highway speeds can cause loss of vehicle control and potential rollover accidents. Owner notification letters were scheduled to begin mailing on May 3, 2026. Kumho agreed to refund the original purchase price or replace affected tires at no cost.
Kumho Asiana Group Collapse: Kumho Tire was part of the Kumho Asiana Group, which faced severe financial difficulties following the 2008 financial crisis. The group's debt problems led to creditor control and the eventual sale of Kumho Tire to Doublestar in 2018, ending decades of Korean conglomerate ownership.
Qingdao Doublestar Financial Weakness: Doublestar, Kumho Tire's largest shareholder, has reported attributable losses of RMB 176 million in 2023, RMB 356 million in 2024, and RMB 360 million in 2025, with a debt-to-asset ratio of 85%. The financial weakness of the parent company creates uncertainty about long-term investment capacity.
Kumho Tires Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Qingdao Doublestar's 45% ownership provides financial backing and access to Chinese manufacturing capacity
- +Kumho operates independently with its own R&D, leadership, and dealer network
- +Record sales of KRW 4.7 trillion in 2025 demonstrate resilience despite factory fire and tariff headwinds
- +Global manufacturing footprint across South Korea, China, Vietnam, US, and Poland reduces geographic risk
- +Strong OE relationships with Volkswagen, Audi, and other automakers
- +New factories in Hampyeong and Poland will expand production capacity
Considerations
- -Qingdao Doublestar has reported consecutive losses (2023-2025) and high debt-to-asset ratio of 85%
- -Gwangju factory fire in May 2025 disrupted production and revealed safety negligence
- -Competition from both premium brands (Michelin, Bridgestone) and mid-range competitors (Hankook, Nexen)
- -Complex ownership structure with Chinese parent and Korean public float may create strategic tensions
- -Tariff headwinds in key US and European markets
- -Dependence on South Korean manufacturing for core production
Frequently Asked Questions About Kumho Tires
Sources & Further Reading
- Kumho Tire Official Website -
- Kumho Tire 2024 Sustainability Report -
- European Rubber Journal: Doublestar completes acquisition of Kumho Tire -
- European Rubber Journal: Kumho Tire posts record sales in 2025 -
- European Rubber Journal: Kumho Tire signs investment deal for 400m Korea factory -
- Tyre News: Kumho consolidation puts Doublestar on track for H1 2026 profit -
- Tyrepress: Strategic acquisition will cement Doublestar's control of Kumho Tire -
- Chosun: Kumho Tire plant fire exposes safety negligence -
- Yonhap: Massive fire devastates Kumho Tire's Gwangju plant -
- Reuters: Kumho Tire shares skid after weekend fire -
- MK: Kumho Tire Gwangju plant test operation -
- Korea JoongAng Daily: Kumho Tire goes from strength to strength -
- LegalClarity: Who Owns Kumho Tires -
- NHTSA Vehicle Recalls Database -
- EcoVadis Rating Platform -
- MSCI ESG Ratings -
- Carbon Disclosure Project -
Competitors to Kumho Tires
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexen Tire | South Korea | 1942 | Mass market | Global | Unisex | |
| Toyo Tire | Japan | 1945 | Mass market | Global | Unisex | |
| Michelin | France | 1889 | Premium | Global | All Genders | |
| Zhongce Rubber | China | 1958 | Mass market | Global | All-ages |
Learn More About Competitors
AutomotiveNexen Tires
Owned by Nexen Tire
South Korean tire manufacturer producing passenger, SUV, commercial, and high-performance tires. Founded in 1942, publicly traded on Korea Exchange under 002350.
tiresautomotive-tirespassenger-tires
AutomotiveToyo Tires
Owned by Toyo Tire Corporation
Japanese brand of automotive tires for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and specialty applications, owned by Toyo Tire Corporation.
tiresautomotive-tirespassenger-tires
AutomotiveMichelin Tires
Owned by Michelin
French premium tire brand manufactured by Michelin, headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The Michelin brand was valued at $10.3 billion by Brand Finance in January 2026. Michelin reported sales of EUR 26.0 billion in 2025 and employs 122,600 people worldwide.
tiresautomotive-tirespremium-tires
AutomotiveWestlake Tires
Owned by Zhongce Rubber Group Co., Ltd.
International tire brand owned by Zhongce Rubber Group Co., Ltd. (ZC Rubber), China's largest tire manufacturer founded in 1958 in Hangzhou, with the Westlake brand introduced in 1995 for international markets covering passenger car, truck and bus, OTR, agricultural, and specialty tires; ZC Rubber completed its IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE: 603049) on June 5, 2025.
tiresautomotive-tirespassenger-tires
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Kumho Tires competes with 4 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Independent Alternatives to Kumho Tires
Looking for brands with different ownership structures? These similar brands are not owned by Kumho Tire, giving you alternative choices that support different corporate structures.
AutomotiveHyundai
Owned by Hyundai Motor Group
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Interstate Batteries is privately owned, unlike Kumho Tires which is under a publicly traded parent company.
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AutomotiveIronman Tires
Owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company
Budget tire brand owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company, a subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, offering affordable tires for passenger vehicles, light trucks, and commercial vehicles.
tiresbudget-tiresautomotive
Privately Owned
Ironman Tires is privately owned, unlike Kumho Tires which is under a publicly traded parent company.
AutomotiveNexen Tires
Owned by Nexen Tire
South Korean tire manufacturer producing passenger, SUV, commercial, and high-performance tires. Founded in 1942, publicly traded on Korea Exchange under 002350.
tiresautomotive-tirespassenger-tires
Publicly Traded
Nexen Tires is owned by Nexen Tire, offering a different ownership alternative.
AutomotiveToyo Tires
Owned by Toyo Tire Corporation
Japanese brand of automotive tires for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and specialty applications, owned by Toyo Tire Corporation.
tiresautomotive-tirespassenger-tires
Publicly Traded
Toyo Tires is owned by Toyo Tire Corporation, offering a different ownership alternative.
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