Nexen Tire's EV Tire Innovation

In the global wave of rapid development in the new energy vehicle industry, tires, as the only component of a vehicle in contact with the ground, directly impact the range, driving safety, and handling performance of electric vehicles.

With the continuous rise in new energy vehicle sales, the industry is placing higher demands on tire performance in areas such as low rolling resistance, high load-bearing capacity, and quiet comfort, forcing tire manufacturers to accelerate technological iteration and product upgrades.

South Korean tire manufacturer Nexen Tire, through continuous technological innovation and deep market cultivation, has achieved comprehensive improvements in the new energy tire field, from product breakthroughs to strategic partnerships, gradually becoming a significant player in the high-end electric vehicle OEM market.

Technological innovation is the core engine for Nexen's dominance in the new energy tire market. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the company has built a virtual brain circulation system that can accurately simulate and optimize multiple performance aspects of tires, including braking, handling, and comfort.

Simultaneously, it utilizes big data analysis of vehicle noise characteristics during driving to optimize low-noise tread pattern design and incorporates a noise reduction system (NRS), significantly reducing driving resonance and improving ride quietness.

High-end products, represented by the N’Fera Supreme S and N’Fera Primus QX EV, have successfully been fitted to the Beijing Hyundai ELEXIO electric SUV, specifically designed for the Chinese market, thanks to their outstanding overall performance.

The N’Fera Supreme S utilizes 4D composite materials and tread shape retention technology to maintain stable performance even under wear, and its aerodynamically optimized sidewall design effectively reduces wind resistance and improves energy efficiency. The N’Fera Primus QX EV, through optimized tread patterns, enhances cornering stability and wet grip, further boosting driving confidence.

In terms of R&D, Nexen continues to break with tradition, pioneering the introduction of a high-dynamic driving simulator in 2025. This significantly reduces reliance on real-vehicle testing, shortens the R&D cycle, and lowers development costs. Simultaneously, the company is collaborating with Hyundai to develop AI models, enabling tire noise prediction in the early design stages, greatly improving R&D accuracy and efficiency.

This series of technological initiatives drives continuous optimization of the product structure. In 2025, the company's sales of 18-inch and larger tires accounted for 38.3% of total sales, with strong demand for tires specifically designed for new energy vehicles providing sustained momentum for revenue growth.

In terms of market presence, Nexen has a deep global presence in the high-end OEM market, covering multiple brands and models. Besides the Beijing Hyundai ELEXIO, its products are also supplied to mainstream Korean electric vehicles such as the Hyundai IONIQ 6 and Kia EV series, and have entered the electrification supply chains of global automakers like BMW and Stellantis.

In 2025, the company added OEM qualifications for 24 new models, with new energy vehicles accounting for a significant share. In the Chinese market, Nexen is seizing the opportunities presented by the development of new energy vehicles, leveraging its strategic partnership with Beijing Hyundai to continuously expand its market share, aligning with the domestic new energy tire market's growth trend of exceeding 120 billion yuan.

In terms of performance, technological innovation and market expansion have jointly propelled Nexen to new heights. In 2025, the company's annual revenue exceeded 3 trillion won for the first time, a year-on-year increase of 12%; the fourth quarter performance was particularly strong, with sales increasing by 19.4% year-on-year.

This growth also benefited from the continuous improvement of its global production capacity layout, with the successful progress of the second phase expansion of its Czech plant, which not only effectively supported demand in the European and American markets but also alleviated cost pressures caused by trade barriers.

Furthermore, Nexen adheres to a sustainable development path, earning an EcoVadis Gold rating. Its green production and product design philosophy aligns perfectly with global trends in carbon reduction and the green development of new energy vehicles.

With continued investment in R&D and a deepening global footprint, Nexen is poised to achieve greater breakthroughs in the high-end new energy tire original equipment market, bringing a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable travel experience to electric vehicle users worldwide.