Kumho receives design awards for airless and semi-airless tyres

Korean tyre company Kumho has received accolades from the 2020 International Design Excellence Awards for two of its tyres.

The first, called the e-NIMF, is an airless concept which the brand says mimics traditional pneumatic tyre characteristics – a difficult feat for airless tyres.

As well as being maintenance-free, Kumho claims the e-NIMF can also be rejuvenated with new tread when worn down, reducing waste.

A second tyre concept, called the e-TOPS, won a Finalist Award in the design competition, this time using a 'hybrid' approach.

The tyre uses an airless structure on the outside of the tyre and a traditional inflated ring within the inner part of the tyre, combining old and new techniques.

The advantage of this design, Kumho says, is superior comfort from the inflated section, while the airless outer reduces the chance of the tyre getting a puncture.

Now 40 years old, IDEA recognises design excellence across multiple industries, receiving some 1800 entries from across the world in 2020.

MORE: Tyre news
MORE: Kumho news and reviews