Amman, 18 February 2007: Kumho Tires has been selected by DaimlerChrysler AG to supply tires for the next generation of the Mercedes Benz Cars

The deal with DaimlerChrysler is seen as a major achievement for Kumho Tires and is likely to have a significant impact on the global OE business of the Seoul-based company, which becomes the first Korean tire manufacturer to supply Mercedes Benz.

Kumho was awarded the contract after meeting Daimler Chrysler's technical and quality criteria.

During the development program for the new tires, the main focus was on ride refinement while maintaining safe levels of wet and dry performance and low rolling resistance.

The tire will bear the MO (Mercedes Original Equipment) symbol on its sidewall to indicate that it is an approved fitment for Mercedes Benz cars.

H.S. Lee, president of Kumho Tire Europe GmbH, commented: "We are delighted that we have been awarded this contract by DaimlerChrysler and look forward to continuing to develop high quality tires for one of the world's finest car manufacturers."

"We intend to focus increasingly on the growth of our OE business in the future," he continued. "This contract is bound to make an important contribution to the strength of the Kumho brand in the global market and will boost recognition of the quality and technological capability of our products."

-Ends-

Established in 1960, Kumho Tire Co., Inc., of Seoul, South Korea, had 2006 sales of $1.9 billion. Kumho manufactures and distributes a complete line of tires for passenger cars, light trucks and heavy-duty trucks. Kumho has manufacturing facilities in Korea and China and operates technical centers in Birmingham, England, and Akron, Ohio. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Kumho Tire U.S.A is the U.S. distribution arm of Kumho Tire Co.  In addition to its 830,000 square foot headquarters and central distribution facility in Rancho Cucamonga, the company operates four additional distribution facilities in Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus and Dallas.  For more information, visit the Kumho Web site at www.kumhotire.com.

© Press Release 2007