Nexen Tire is targeting the global replacement (RE) tire market with a next-generation premium tire that bridges the boundary between electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. As the auto industry rapidly transitions to the era of electrification, the company is moving to fully implement a "One Tire" strategy that delivers the same performance regardless of vehicle type.
Nexen Tire announced Tuesday the launch of its new premium tire, the "N'FERA Primus UX." The company will begin sales in Korea before sequentially supplying the product to the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets, expanding its global footprint.
The key feature of the product is that it is designed to deliver optimal performance across all vehicle types, including EVs, ICE vehicles, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). As the automotive market reorganizes around electrification, tire makers are formulating strategies between EV-exclusive products and general-purpose products. Nexen Tire has chosen a One Tire strategy that minimizes vehicle-type distinctions.
To this end, the company applied its proprietary certification system, "EV Route." This means the tire guarantees the same level of performance on both EVs and ICE vehicles. The new product improves wear performance by 20% over its predecessor, enhancing durability, while also focusing on high-speed driving stability, ride comfort, and quietness.
In addition, reinforcement materials supporting the tire structure have been strengthened to improve driving stability, while an expanded contact patch enhances cornering and braking performance. Optimized tread block design reduces noise, securing the quietness valued by EV drivers, the company explained.
Improvements in fuel efficiency and electric range are also notable. A new material-based compound that reduces energy loss has been applied to extend tire life. A sidewall design that minimizes air resistance contributes to improved fuel economy in ICE vehicles as well as a longer driving range per charge for EVs.
The product also reflects the artificial intelligence (AI)-based research and development capabilities in which Nexen Tire has been heavily investing. Using a high-dynamic driving simulator — the first of its kind introduced in Korea's auto industry — the company mathematically implements tire performance in a virtual space identical to actual driving conditions, rapidly measuring and improving performance to enhance development efficiency.
Nexen Tire plans to strengthen its integrated product strategy spanning both EVs and ICE vehicles, leveraging the new product to expand its global market share. "We are focused on developing products that deliver optimal performance across all vehicle types in line with the EV era," a Nexen Tire official said. "Based on our One Tire strategy, we will continue to expand our push into the global premium market."
