Nexen Tire is rolling out generative artificial intelligence (AI) across its entire operations, extending its digital transformation strategy beyond simple task automation to cover research and development (R&D), production, and management.
The company said Thursday it has adopted ChatGPT Enterprise to apply generative AI to core functions such as knowledge search, document writing, and data analysis. Through this, Nexen Tire aims to upgrade its data-driven decision-making system and boost workplace productivity.
At the heart of the deployment is the creation of an "Agentic AI" environment. The strategy seeks to reshape corporate operations so that AI moves beyond being a mere auxiliary tool to autonomously performing tasks and collaborating with employees. To support this shift, the company is running parallel AI training programs for staff. Training has already been completed for about 1,000 employees in office and research positions, and the company plans to expand adoption through AI boot camps and case-sharing sessions.
Nexen Tire's AI strategy is already delivering results in R&D. After building an "AI big data-based tire noise reduction prediction system" in 2020, the company introduced its Virtual Brain Loop System, a virtual design platform powered by machine learning-based performance prediction, in 2022. This has advanced its "virtual development system," which allows precise performance verification before physical manufacturing begins.
The scope of AI application has also expanded into production. In 2024, the company introduced an AI-based automated product inspection system to improve quality-check precision, and raised the level of performance verification in virtual driving environments through its high-dynamic driving simulator.
The ChatGPT Enterprise rollout is viewed as a step that layers "workstyle innovation" on top of this technological foundation. The shift moves Nexen Tire's AI use from being "R&D-centered" to "companywide," reshaping productivity and decision-making structures across the organization.
The industry sees this as a signal accelerating digital transformation in the tire sector. As the broader auto industry reorganizes around software-defined structures, data and AI capabilities are emerging as core competitive factors for parts makers as well.
"The tire development process, which requires thousands of simulations and vast data analysis, is being fundamentally transformed by AI," a Nexen Tire official said. "We will build an environment where all employees use AI as the basic language of their work and lead the industry's transition."
