Nexen Tire expands global reach with supply deal for Renault Korea’s Filante

Nexen Tire's Roadian GTX / Courtesy of Nexen Tire

Nexen Tire said Monday it will supply factory-fitted tires for Renault Korea’s new crossover model, Filante, extending its reach in global vehicle programs.

The company said its all-season tire, Roadian GTX, will come in a 19-inch configuration designed for sport utility vehicles and crossover utility vehicles.

Filante, a crossover blending sedan and SUV characteristics, is equipped with a hybrid powertrain and is positioned as a strategic model for Renault Korea. The tire maker said hybrid vehicles require higher technical standards for tires, and that the latest deal reflects Nexen Tire’s ability to meet those demands.

The tires will be installed on models sold in Korea as well as export vehicles bound for Latin America and the Middle East, the Nexen Tire said.

Nexen Tire said the Roadian GTX incorporates its latest technology to deliver durability and stable driving performance. A zigzag-patterned tread helps disperse road pressure to support stability, while an optimized load distribution design improves grip. A low-noise design tailored for electrified vehicles enhances quietness, the tire maker said.

The agreement follows Nexen Tire’s supply of factory-fitted tires for Renault Korea’s midsize SUV, Grand Koleos, launched in 2024, as the partnership between the companies expands.

Nexen Tire said it has expanded its global presence since first supplying factory-fitted tires to an overseas automaker in 2012, later securing partnerships with premium brands including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, as well as global manufacturers such as Stellantis and Volkswagen.

A Nexen Tire official said the company is continuing to advance its tire technology in line with next-generation mobility trends combining electrification and artificial intelligence, and said it aims to strengthen partnerships with global automakers and expand its market position.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.